The exportation of chicken meat is a highly regulated process which demands an efficient productive chain, rigorous quality control and specialized logistics. Latin America plays a strategic role in this scenario, being a key region to supply increasingly demanding global markets.
In this article, we will explain the stages of the export process, the challenges faced by exporters and how controlled-temperature logistics solutions contribute to business success.
Brazil and Mexico: two large chicken producers
Brazil and Mexico are the largest producers of chicken meat in Latin America. According to the United States Department of Agriculture – Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS), Mexico produced nearly 5 million metric tons of chicken meat in 2024. For 2025, production is projected to surpass this figure, reflecting the continued growth and modernization of the country’s poultry industry.
Brazil, in turn, also occupies a top global exporting position. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Map) and the Secretariat of Trade and International Relations (SCRI), Brazil exports chicken to 172 countries, being the largest exporter and the third largest producer in the world.
In 2023, Brazilian exports totaled US$ 9.61 billion, equivalent to 5 million tons. Whereas for the period up to March 2025, more than 1.1 million tons were exported, generating about US$ 2.10 billion
How does the chicken export process work?
The export of chicken involves a complex chain, consisting of stages that guarantee the food safety, the trackability and compliance with the requirements of the international markets.
The process starts with the production and ends with the delivery of the product in ideal conditions to the buyer abroad. Below, we will talk more about these stages:
1. Planning and production
The chicken export process begins with the raising of the animals. The technical planning involves rigorous criteria relating to the quality of the nutrition, the animal well-being, animal health and genetic selection.
These factors have a direct impact on the final quality of the product and are frequently audited or demanded by importers abroad. Investing in responsible production practices is a fundamental step to attending to the demands of global markets.
2. Documentation and certifications
After the production, the documentation required by the destination countries is gathered. This stage can include health and phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, laboratory reports and evidence of compliance with specific standards.
The process varies depending on the demands of each market, which requires detailed attention and technical accompaniment to guarantee that all the documentation is in order before shipping.
2. Proper packaging for export
Packaging is a strategic element in the chicken export process. Its function goes from physical protection of the product — which also contributes to maintaining the quality of the goods and to attending to the commercial and regulatory requirements.
For the international transport, it is fundamental that the packaging is resistant enough to bear variations in temperature, humidity and impacts during the journey.
3. Labeling and international requirements
The correct labeling is another essential factor to guarantee the access of the exported chicken to international markets. The labels must have the mandatory information such as ingredients, shelf life, storage instructions and nutritional composition.
In many cases, these details must be given in the language of the destination country and follow specific formatting standards.
4. Transport and local warehousing
With the documentation having been approved, the chicken is transported to distribution centers with the appropriate structure, such as those of Emergent Cold LatAm.
In these installations, the product is kept under rigorous temperature control to preserve its integrity through to the next stage. The strategic location of the warehouses enables agility and efficiency in the logistical flow.
5. International logistics
In the final stage, the product goes to the port terminals or airports. During international transport, the cold chain has to be maintained uninterrupted, with continuous monitoring of the temperature and humidity, guaranteeing that the chicken arrives at its destination in the ideal condition for consumption.
Challenges of exporting chicken in Latin America
Exporting chicken meat involves logistical and commercial challenges from health barriers to the need for prompt deliveries. The main ones include:
- regulatory differences between countries;
- limitations to port infrastructure;
- maintenance of the cold chain over long distances;
- fluctuation of logistics and exchange rate costs.
Global trends and opportunities for exporters
The global consumption of chicken protein keeps on growing, boosted by factors such as affordable cost, health benefits and environmental sustainability.
According to projections by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), global production of chicken meat will grow by about 15% by 2034, reaching 162 million tons.
Among the factors boosting this global expansion, we can highlight:
- expansion of markets in Asia and Africa;
- demand for processed products with high added value;
- integration of technologies for trackability in real time;
- growing demands for sustainability and reduction of food waste.
In this context, the adoption of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), are being consolidated as a competitive differential.
AI enables optimization of transport routes, monitoring thermal conditions in real time and forecasting demand with greater precision — decisive factors in the success of exports.
Furthermore, this type of technology helps in the organization of stocks, reduces unnecessary movement in the warehouses and gives greater control over the quality of the load.
In promoting greater operational efficiency and reducing waste, AI becomes a strategic ally for exporters wanting to stand out in ever more demanding markets.
How Emergent Cold LatAm supports chicken exporters
At Emergent Cold LatAm, we offer temperature-controlled food logistics solutions, with infrastructure located strategically at the principal ports and urban centers of Latin America. This enables greater agility in the consolidation of loads of chicken and reduction of logistics losses.
Our installations have advanced monitoring, trackability and temperature control systems, guaranteeing compliance with the required international standards. Besides this, we offer specialized support for documentation and handling of sensitive loads, such as those of chicken.
Conclusion
Exporting chicken is an excellent opportunity for Latin American countries to stand out in international trade.
However, this process requires much more than just quality in production — it requires regulatory compliance, trackability, logistical efficiency and dominion over the cold chain.
With the support of technological solutions and specialized infrastructure, such as that offered by Emergent Cold LatAm, exporters can face the challenges of the sector with more safety and precision.
Thus, it is possible not only to guarantee the attendance of the demands of global markets, but also to consolidate sustainable trade relations over the long term.
