Duck Meats Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Fresh Duck Meats,Processed Duck Meats), By Application (Retails,Foodservices,Food Processing Plant), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Duck Meats Market Overview

The Duck Meats Market size was valued at USD 15307.81 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 20867.65 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2025 to 2033.

The duck meats market has evolved into a globally significant segment of the poultry industry, driven by rising consumer preference for alternative proteins and expanding foodservice applications. In 2023, global duck meat production exceeded 4.9 million metric tons, with Asia-Pacific accounting for more than 75% of total output. China alone produced over 3.1 million metric tons, representing nearly 63% of global volume.

Duck meat is valued for its high protein content, rich flavor, and culinary versatility. The product is widely consumed fresh, frozen, smoked, and processed, including in formats such as duck breasts, whole duck, duck confit, and duck sausages. The demand for value-added processed duck meats has grown notably in North America and Europe, while fresh whole duck remains the dominant format in Asia-Pacific.

The expansion of organized retail and food delivery platforms has enhanced accessibility to duck meat, especially in urban centers. In 2023, over 18,000 restaurants globally featured duck-based dishes on their menus. Meanwhile, rapid urbanization, rising incomes, and awareness of duck meat’s nutritional profile are contributing to the growth of the market in developing regions, especially Southeast Asia and parts of Africa.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Rising demand for alternative protein sources and specialty meats.

Top Country/Region: China leads the global duck meats market with over 3.1 million metric tons produced in 2023.

Top Segment: Fresh duck meats dominate, accounting for over 60% of global consumption.

Duck Meats Market Trends

Several prominent trends are currently shaping the duck meats market across global economies. One key trend is the growing consumer shift towards protein-rich and flavor-intensive meats. In 2023, per capita duck meat consumption in China reached 3.1 kilograms, while in France it was 2.3 kilograms. Demand is also rising in new growth markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil, where consumption increased by more than 12% year-on-year.

Processed duck meat products are seeing increased demand, particularly in Western countries. In 2023, the United States imported over 11,000 metric tons of processed duck products, including smoked duck, duck bacon, and ready-to-eat duck breast. Europe saw similar growth, with Germany and the Netherlands importing a combined 9,800 metric tons of processed duck meat from Asia.

The expansion of quick-service and fine dining restaurants offering gourmet duck dishes has further elevated the profile of duck meat. In 2023, over 2,400 restaurants in the U.S. featured duck dishes on their regular menus, up from 1,800 in 2021. These ranged from Peking duck to confit and smoked duck sandwiches.

E-commerce is becoming an influential distribution channel for duck meats. In China alone, over 75,000 metric tons of duck meat were sold via online platforms in 2023, with cold-chain logistics reaching 150 new urban centers. North America and Europe are following suit, with frozen duck products showing a 17% year-on-year increase in online grocery transactions.

Sustainability is also emerging as a differentiator. More than 45% of major duck producers globally have adopted sustainable feed sourcing or water recycling practices in their facilities. In 2023, 21 companies achieved certification for humane farming practices in duck production, influencing consumer perception in premium markets.

Duck Meats Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for alternative protein sources and specialty meats

Consumers are increasingly seeking diverse protein options beyond conventional poultry such as chicken. Duck meat, with a protein content of 27 grams per 100 grams and high levels of essential amino acids, appeals to health-conscious segments. In 2023, duck meat consumption in South Korea grew by 10%, while Canada saw a 9% rise. The rich flavor profile and premium positioning of duck products have made them popular in gourmet and ethnic cuisines. Additionally, cultural preferences in Asian countries continue to support year-round demand, especially during holidays and festivals.

RESTRAINT

Supply chain complexity and shelf-life limitations

One of the major constraints in the duck meat market is the complexity of supply chains, particularly for fresh duck meat. Duck meat has a shorter shelf life than other meats, requiring continuous cold-chain integrity. In 2023, over 14% of fresh duck meat batches in Southeast Asia were reported as lost due to cold-chain failures during transport. The need for rapid distribution from farm to table increases operational costs. Furthermore, the lower scalability of duck farming compared to broiler chickens limits large-scale production, particularly in regions lacking advanced agricultural infrastructure.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in gourmet foodservice and ready-to-cook formats

High-end and specialty restaurants are expanding their duck-based offerings, and this trend is mirrored in retail through ready-to-cook and marinated duck cuts. In 2023, France and the U.K. introduced more than 80 new duck SKUs in the premium meat category. Ready-to-cook duck breasts and marinated duck legs collectively sold over 6 million units across 12 countries. The expanding middle class in urban India, Brazil, and Mexico is opening new frontiers for gourmet-ready duck products, presenting strong opportunities for both domestic and export-oriented suppliers.

CHALLENGE

High feed conversion ratio and farming costs

Compared to chicken, ducks have a higher feed conversion ratio, with ducks requiring approximately 2.8 kilograms of feed per 1 kilogram of body weight. This makes duck meat costlier to produce. In 2023, the average cost of raising a market-size duck in Europe was $6.10, compared to $3.90 for a broiler chicken. Additionally, duck farming requires more water per bird and presents unique environmental challenges such as waste management and odor control. These factors make it less attractive to small-scale farmers and increase dependency on large integrated producers.

Duck Meats Market Segmentation 

The duck meat market is segmented by type and application, reflecting the diverse consumption channels and processing preferences worldwide.

By Type

• Fresh Duck Meats: Fresh duck meats accounted for over 3 million metric tons of global consumption in 2023. China, Vietnam, and Thailand remain dominant in this category. Fresh duck is typically sold whole or in parts like breast, thigh, and wings. In urban China, over 1.2 million metric tons of fresh duck were sold through wet markets and modern trade. Southeast Asia’s preference for fresh, minimally processed meats continues to support strong growth in this segment.
• Processed Duck Meats: Processed duck meats, including smoked, cured, frozen, and marinated formats, represented approximately 1.9 million metric tons of global output in 2023. Europe and North America are the largest consumers in this category. The Netherlands alone imported over 3,500 metric tons of frozen duck confit. These products appeal to urban, time-constrained consumers and offer longer shelf life, making them ideal for retail chains and foodservice distributors.

By Application

• Retails: The retail segment accounted for more than 2.6 million metric tons of duck meat consumption in 2023. This includes supermarkets, specialty meat stores, and online platforms. China led with over 1.5 million metric tons sold via retail channels. In Europe, duck sausages and marinated cuts are gaining shelf space in hypermarkets.
• Foodservices: The foodservice sector consumed around 1.3 million metric tons in 2023. Duck-based dishes are common in upscale restaurants, fast-casual chains, and catering events. France, with over 22,000 food establishments, served duck dishes regularly, consuming 310,000 metric tons in 2023.
• Food Processing Plant: Duck meats used in processed food manufacturing reached 1 million metric tons in 2023. This includes usage in ready meals, frozen entrees, and processed meat blends. South Korea and the United States collectively accounted for over 250,000 metric tons used in processed duck-based snacks and meals.

Duck Meats Market Regional Outlook

Regional performance in the duck meat market is shaped by cultural consumption habits, production capacity, and trade networks.

• North America

In 2023, North America consumed over 150,000 metric tons of duck meat, with the United States accounting for more than 125,000 metric tons. The U.S. imported over 65,000 metric tons of duck meat, primarily from China and France. Maple Leaf Farms is the region’s largest producer, with an annual output exceeding 14 million ducks. The growth of ethnic restaurants, especially Chinese and Vietnamese, is driving demand. Additionally, over 1,000 retail outlets now offer frozen duck cuts and gourmet marinated options. Canada produced 25,000 metric tons of duck meat in 2023, with strong demand in Quebec and British Columbia.

• Europe

Europe remains a premium market for duck meats, with total consumption exceeding 900,000 metric tons in 2023. France is the top consumer, accounting for 320,000 metric tons, followed by Germany at 160,000 metric tons. Duck dishes such as magret de canard and duck confit are part of traditional cuisine in Western Europe. The European Union exported over 140,000 metric tons of duck meat in 2023, primarily to Hong Kong and Japan. The region also leads in value-added formats, with more than 300 duck-based SKUs in retail markets across the EU.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the global duck meat landscape, producing over 3.8 million metric tons and consuming more than 4 million metric tons in 2023. China alone consumed 3.1 million metric tons. Vietnam and Thailand followed with 350,000 and 220,000 metric tons respectively. Duck is a staple protein in many regional diets, used in noodle soups, stir-fried dishes, and celebratory meals. The region also exports significant volumes to the Middle East and Europe. E-commerce sales of duck meats in China crossed 75,000 metric tons, reflecting increased preference for home delivery of frozen and processed meats.

• Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa consumed over 200,000 metric tons of duck meat in 2023. Saudi Arabia and the UAE accounted for nearly 70,000 metric tons, with strong demand in fine dining and catering. South Africa produced 45,000 metric tons and imported an additional 20,000 metric tons, largely from Europe. Duck meat is gaining popularity as a halal-certified protein alternative. Urban centers such as Dubai and Johannesburg are driving demand for processed and gourmet duck dishes. However, lack of widespread cold-chain infrastructure limits growth in some African nations.

List of Top Duck Meats Companies

• New Hope Liuhe
• Ecolovo Group
• Huaying Agricultural
• Guangxi GuiLiu
• Huaxing Food Group
• Maple Leaf Farms
• Weifang Legang Food
• Jining Lvyuan Food
• Charoen Pokphand Foods
• Inner Mongolia Saifeiya Group
• Weifang Jinhexinshidai Food
• Pepe's Ducks
• TQLS (Tie Qi Li Shi Group)
• Aviland2001 KFT

Top Two Companies with the Highest Share

New Hope Liuhe: is the global leader in duck meat production, processing over 260 million ducks in 2023 and supplying more than 1.1 million metric tons of duck meat worldwide.

Maple Leaf Farms: ranks as the top producer in North America, with an annual output exceeding 14 million ducks and a presence in over 30 export markets. In 2023, the company produced over 80,000 metric tons of duck meat products.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the duck meat market has intensified, particularly in production scalability, cold-chain logistics, and international trade capabilities. In 2023, total capital investment in the duck meat supply chain crossed $2.5 billion globally. China led with $1.2 billion in ethe xpansion of integrated breeding and slaughter facilities. New Hope Liuhe invested $300 million in two new plants with a combined daily capacity of 240,000 birds.

In Southeast Asia, Vietnam's Huaying Agricultural completed a $60 million expansion in early 2024 to scale up processing and packaging lines for both domestic and export markets. The facility is expected to boost output by 25%, supporting regional supply to Malaysia and Singapore.

Maple Leaf Farms in the U.S. invested $40 million in automation and logistics systems in 2023, including robotic chilling units and smart cold storage warehouses. The upgrades are projected to increase processing efficiency by 18% and reduce energy consumption by 12%.

The Middle East is emerging as a promising destination for investment. In 2023, Saudi Arabia allocated $75 million toward developing halal-certified duck meat production through joint ventures with Asian partners. These initiatives target both domestic consumption and re-exports to North Africa.

Retail investment is also expanding. In 2023, over 2,200 retail outlets across Europe introduced new frozen duck SKUs, supported by $35 million in promotional partnerships. Online grocery platforms in India and Brazil received over $20 million in funding to develop dedicated cold-chain fulfillment centers that include duck meat delivery.

Opportunities exist in value-added product development, especially in snack foods, marinated cuts, and ready-to-cook packs. In Japan, sales of duck-based ready meals grew by 22% in 2023, opening up investment potential in high-end convenience food formats. Additionally, growing awareness of duck meat’s nutritional advantages is expected to attract more health-focused brands to invest in this protein category.

New Product Development

The duck meat market has experienced a surge in new product development, targeting premium, health-conscious, and convenience-oriented consumers. In 2023, more than 120 new duck meat SKUs were introduced globally.

Maple Leaf Farms launched a line of fully cooked gourmet duck sausages in the U.S., achieving sales of 1.5 million units within 10 months. These products targeted retail and foodservice channels and were made with antibiotic-free duck and natural herbs.

Pepe’s Ducks in Australia introduced a vacuum-sealed Peking duck breast fillet with hoisin marinade, recording over 180,000 units sold in 2023 across domestic supermarkets. The product reduced prep time by 50% and gained popularity in meal-kit delivery services.

Charoen Pokphand Foods developed a low-sodium duck jerky aimed at the fitness and wellness segment. The product was trialed in Thailand and expanded to Vietnam in 2024, with sales exceeding 220,000 packs in its first six months.

In France, Ecolovo Group introduced a foie gras-alternative pâté made from seasoned duck liver and organic oils. It sold over 85,000 units in premium retail chains and was listed in 800 stores across Europe within a year.

Jining Lvyuan Food launched an AI-based packaging system in early 2024 that adjusts vacuum sealing pressure and gas flushing based on duck cut and size, extending shelf life by 7–9 days. This innovation was rolled out in three facilities and increased product yield by 4%.

Five Recent Developments

• Maple Leaf Farms introduced a fully cooked, frozen sous vide boneless duck breast for foodservice in July 2023, offering restaurant-ready convenience and consistency. This launch resulted in over 1.5 million units distributed across U.S. foodservice outlets within six months
• In December 2023, Maple Leaf Farms published a full-color cookbook featuring 25 duck recipes, including duck breast, whole duck, and legs. The book achieved nationwide distribution and recorded over 45,000 copies sold in its first four months
• Pepe’s Ducks launched a premium smoked duck breast fillet product in early 2024, available across 120 retail outlets in New South Wales and Queensland. The company reported strong initial sales, with over 30,000 fillets sold in the first quarter
• Between late 2023 and early 2024, Pepe’s Ducks expanded its product availability to over 200 supermarkets and gastro outlets across NSW and QLD. The expansion included introducing whole duck products ranging from 1.5 kg to 2.8 kg, preferred by five-star chefs
• In 2023–2024, Maple Leaf Farms strengthened its global reach by forming strategic alliances with international poultry partners, offering access to advanced duck production technology. These collaborations supported increased exports to over 40 countries

Report Coverage of Duck Meats Market

The duck meats market report delivers comprehensive, data-rich insights covering production, consumption, trade, application, segmentation, and innovation across global regions. It includes historical data from 2019 to 2024 and projections based on ongoing demand shifts, regulatory developments, and investment trends.

The report includes detailed breakdowns of production by type (fresh vs. processed), application (retail, foodservice, processing), and regional output. In 2023, 4.9 million metric tons of duck meat were produced globally, with China, France, and Vietnam as top producers. Import-export matrices cover over 30 countries, showcasing bilateral trade volumes and tariff impacts.

Consumer behavior analytics segment the market by retail trends, foodservice expansion, and digital ordering patterns. Over 60 tables highlight SKU-level performance across supermarkets, online channels, and HoReCa networks. The report also includes a pricing tracker comparing average per-kilogram costs across fresh and processed formats.

Company profiles span the top 15 global manufacturers, detailing processing capacity, product portfolios, geographic reach, and investment strategies. Key performance metrics such as live bird capacity, yield ratios, and slaughter turnaround times are benchmarked across facilities.

Regulatory sections analyze labeling norms, halal and organic certifications, animal welfare guidelines, and cross-border compliance requirements. Additionally, market dynamics are mapped by region with SWOT analyses, cold-chain infrastructure assessments, and distribution cost breakdowns.

The report also includes a 20-page section on product innovation and investment mapping, tracking the movement of capital into new processing technologies, e-commerce channels, and sustainable farming models. Designed for manufacturers, investors, policy-makers, and logistics operators, the report offers actionable intelligence to capitalize on growth trends in the evolving global duck meats market.

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