As a result of the political crisis affecting the country since 2018 together with the pandemic that began in 2020, the chicken producer and operator of the restaurant chain Pollo Estrella, was financially destabilized and was seized by at least four banks.
Following a judicial process being handled in the courts of the municipality of Tipitapa, where the central plant of the Nicaraguan company operates, the authorities decided to intervene Avícola La Estrella.
The diffusion of campaigns that promote the consumption of chicken meat and its low price are factors that have influenced the growth in per capita consumption of the product in the Guatemalan market by 60% between 2018 and 2019.
Data from the National Association of Poultry Farmers (Anavi) indicates that between 2018 and 2019, the average annual consumption of chicken meat for each Guatemalan increased by 25 pounds, from 41.45 pounds to 66.5 pounds.
In the local market, the demand for fried and roasted chicken is estimated at 640,000 parts per day and each consumer spends an average of $3.33 on each purchase.
Figures from the National Association of Poultry Farmers of Honduras (Anavih) detail that weekly consumption of cooked chicken amounts to about 4.4 million pieces and approximately 25% of total Honduran consumers buy this type of food.
The union of producers estimates a 5% increase in activity during 2016, with total production of 1,300 million eggs and 300 million pounds of chicken meat.
The Association of Poultry Farmers of El Salvador (AVES) reported that an almost 3% increase in egg production was achieved in 2016 at the national level, while production of chicken meat, may have topped 300 million pounds.
Increased competition and rising production costs are causing firms in the sector to revive their production processes with new plants, equipment and electrical systems.
The three companies which dominate 92% of the market for chicken meat and its derivatives are making significant investments to modernize their production processes in an increasingly competitive world where consumption has maintained a steady upward trend.
Fast food chains have announced investments of $13 million in the opening of nine chicken restaurants and improvements in other infrastructure.
In order to meet the growing the demand for chicken meals, the chains KFC, Rostipollos, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and As will make investments in 2013 which together total $12.7 million.
According to Juan Carlos Rodriguez, manager of the KFC brand (represented by the firm QRS International), the chain has 30 stores in the country and opened its first restaurant in Limon. In addition it will have branches in Tibás, Desamparados and Juan Santamaria International Airport, for which it is designating $8 million.
While waiting for new foreign franchises to enter the market, domestic chains are expanding their operations.
More stores in different parts of the country, new brands and increasing competition are defining the chicken restaurant market.
This year alone there are plans to open at least two outlets under the Nicaraguan franchise Tip Top, which last year tried its hand in the center of the province of Alajuela.
The numerous companies competing in the market now have a new competitor, Pollo Granjero.
The new brand, owned by Multiinversiones, has begun its expansion in the market, offering ".. a quick, good quality and affordable option ..." in the words of Rodrigo Del Cid, marketing the company’s manager.
Since 2008, another strong competitor is Pollo Pinulito, with a total of one hundred branches throughout the country.