The National Union of Poultry Farmers has reported a significant surge in wholesale prices for broiler chicken carcasses in Russia. Between September 15 and 21, the average price reached 190 rubles per kilogram, marking a substantial 34% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure represents the highest price recorded since the beginning of the current year. The price hike has also extended to cut chicken meat, including fillets, wings, drumsticks, and thighs.
Reasons for the Price Increase
Several key factors are identified as contributing to the rising prices:
- The widespread occurrence of diseases among poultry flocks.
- Producers` strategic efforts to partially compensate for profit declines experienced due to low chicken prices in the first half of 2025.
- A consequent slowdown in the growth rate of poultry populations at farms.
Expert Commentary: Arseny Vlasov on Market Dynamics
Arseny Vlasov, a shareholder in the «Chuva» agro-holding, offered his perspective on the situation. He suggested that the current rise in wholesale prices, while notable, is not entirely unprecedented.
“I wouldn`t say there`s any significant increase in wholesale prices. We know that there`s a certain price correction year after year, especially after the summer period when we enter the fourth quarter. Ahead of the year`s end, poultry farms calculate preliminary results, look at the inflationary component, and adjust prices. At the same time, it`s important to consider that poultry meat is directly linked to pork, and we don`t see a significant rise among pork producers. Because in most cases, people switch from poultry to pork when possible. Yes, there`s an inflationary component; certainly, our salaries, especially among staff, are also growing by double-digit figures year-on-year, and this definitely adds to the increase in production costs – but at the same time, the population`s purchasing power is also growing.”
— When and how significantly will this affect retail prices?
“Retail chains compete with each other, and to say that the price increase from the producer is immediately passed on to the shelf — no. Retail chains certainly also monitor customer reactions and demand. Chains have several tools to regulate their markup, as well as conducting promotions. To see any significant increase in chains that would create social tension — I doubt it.”
— Will prices remain the same?
“They might change, but only in terms of minor corrections.”
Ministry of Agriculture`s Stance and Outlook
In contrast to the reported wholesale increases, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that, as of September 17, producer prices for chicken meat had decreased by nearly 1.5% over the month. Simultaneously, consumer prices for the same period saw a slight uptick of almost half a percent, reaching an average of 228.5 rubles per kilogram.
The Ministry also highlighted a sustained positive trend in poultry production across Russia this year and confirmed that no cases of avian influenza have been registered at poultry farms, indicating a stable health situation within the industry.
