May 27, 2026
 

EU compound feed output forecast at 152 million tonnes in 2026 as poultry growth offsets pig sector decline

FEFAC projects near-flat overall production but diverging species and country trends, with avian influenza pressure offset by gains in key poultry markets while ASF continues to weigh on pig feed volumes.

EU compound feed production is forecast to reach 152 million tonnes in 2026, a marginal decline of 0.06% from 2025, according to FEFAC market experts, with poultry feed the only major species sector to register growth amid rising market volatility and regulatory uncertainty.

Poultry feed is projected to grow 1.2% to 51.588 million tonnes, despite continued pressure from avian influenza. Spain and Germany are expected to lead the expansion with increases of 2% and 3.8% respectively, while France is forecast to grow 1.5% to 8.250 million tonnes and Poland by 3% to 7.46 million tonnes.

Pig feed production is expected to fall 1.3% to 48.520 million tonnes. The Netherlands faces the sharpest contraction at -10%, while Germany and France are each down around 1%. Spain, the largest producer, is set to stabilise at 13.1 million tonnes, a decline of 1.5%. Poland is forecast to grow 3% and Portugal 1%, while Bulgaria is among the stronger performers at +5.8%. Slovenia is projected to contract by 12% amid structural changes and ongoing ASF pressure.

Cattle feed is forecast at 45.358 million tonnes, broadly flat year on year. Spain, the sector's largest producer, expects a 2% increase, while France and Poland are also projected to grow. The Netherlands and Belgium face the steepest declines at -5% and -2% respectively, driven by national environmental regulatory policies and weaker milk prices. Germany, Denmark and Portugal are expected to remain broadly stable.

FEFAC noted that the sector continues to demonstrate resilience despite economic and geopolitical pressures, but cautioned that 2026 is characterised by growing market volatility. Ongoing energy and fertiliser market stress, combined with regulatory uncertainties such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), are complicating forecasting across member states.

— FEFAC