The largest producer of chicken R&D&I in the Canary Islands is a company derived from that legendary supermarket chain that ended up being bought by what is now Hiperdino. The Cruz Mayors were dedicated to chicken and hence a brand that is marketed as Cruzbe (don't search the web because it doesn't have one) although that opacity generates a capital of 13 million euros.
In the Canary Islands Cruzbe operates with chicken R&D&I but the main operator is Grupo Sada together with Avícola Canaria de Pollos, a family business with more than 50 years of experience in the sector; Pollos Canarios SA; El Calvario Poultry Farm, La Herradura Poultry Farm or Pozo Izquierdo Poultry Farm: The production of chicken meat in the Canary Islands is estimated at around 20.000 tons per year and the consumption of chicken meat in the Canary Islands is higher than the national average.
The opening of the maritime line from Tarfaya to Gran Canaria via Fuerteventura to supply tourism is not only for fruits and vegetables but also for the consumption of products intensively used in the hospitality industry such as chicken. Mercadona supplies eggs from Agüimes with Huevos Guillén Canarias with farms from Arucas and Fontanales (Moya). With this move, the company, which purchased 8 million dozen eggs in 2020, increases its purchase of local eggs by 25% this year.
Chicken could also reach the islands. In 2022, the European Union (EU) authorized the export of chicken and turkey meat from Morocco to the Canary Islands. Criticism: The decision has been criticized by some sectors of the European poultry industry, who argue that Moroccan production does not meet the same quality and food safety standards as European production. Competition: Moroccan chicken is cheaper than European chicken, which could pose a threat to island producers. The export of Moroccan chicken could also be an opportunity for European companies wishing to import chicken meat at competitive prices.
In 2023, Morocco exported 400.000 tons of chicken meat worth 500 million euros. The main export markets for Moroccan chicken are the European Union, Saudi Arabia and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Moroccan chicken exports are expected to continue increasing in the coming years. Chicken meat production in Morocco is growing at an annual rate of 5%. The Moroccan government is investing in the modernization of the country's poultry industry.
