Chicken Bucket Market Report 2026

The chicken bucket market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.11 billion in 2025 to $2.23 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of quick-service restaurant chains, increasing consumption of takeaway food, expansion of foodservice packaging demand, availability of low-cost paperboard materials, standardization of food packaging formats.

The chicken bucket market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.75 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing focus on sustainable food packaging, rising demand for branded packaging solutions, expansion of online food delivery platforms, growing preference for lightweight packaging, increasing regulatory pressure on plastic packaging. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of recyclable paper-based buckets, rising demand for large-capacity food packaging, growing adoption of custom printed buckets, expansion of takeaway and delivery packaging, enhanced focus on grease-resistant coatings.

The increasing demand for chicken in developing economies is expected to drive the growth of the chicken bucket market in the coming years. Chicken demand is rising as it is a widely preferred meat option and offers essential nutrients such as protein, niacin, selenium, and phosphorus. Owing to its low calorie content and high protein value, chicken is particularly beneficial for weight management and maintaining lean muscle mass. Chicken buckets are disposable packaging containers available in various sizes and are commonly used for serving chicken. This type of packaging is also widely utilized for takeaway meals. For example, in October 2024, according to WATT Poultry, an Illinois-based organization providing information and resources for the poultry industry, six-month poultry output in France and Italy was more than 20% higher than during the same period in 2022. Additionally, total EU poultry meat production in the first half of 2024 was 4% higher than the comparable period of the previous year, and the European Commission projected a 3% increase in poultry meat exports for 2024. Therefore, rising chicken demand in developing economies is driving the growth of the chicken bucket market.

Major companies operating in the chicken bucket market are increasingly emphasizing menu diversification and innovative packaging solutions to improve customer convenience and encourage the consumption of fried chicken as a popular shared meal among families and groups. For instance, in August 2024, Thai KFC Co. Ltd., a US-based fast food restaurant chain, launched “KFC Bucket Ware,” a limited-edition product inspired by KFC’s iconic fried chicken bucket. Designed as a symbol of love and appreciation, the product transforms an everyday item into a unique and meaningful offering, presenting a creative twist on familiar essentials. This exclusive and stylish container was introduced to express appreciation and strengthen emotional connections with customers.

In June 2023, Yum! Brands’ KFC Division, a US-based restaurant chain, acquired more than 200 KFC restaurants from EG Group for $1.8 billion. Through this acquisition, Yum! Brands aims to accelerate its growth strategy in the UK and Ireland chicken market by improving operational management and enhancing the customer experience, ultimately increasing unit volumes and market share. EG Group is a UK-based convenience retailer offering foodservice, fuel, groceries, and merchandise.

Major companies operating in the chicken bucket market are Graphic Packaging International LLC, Huhtamäki Oyj, Dart Container Corporation, DJS Printers, Westgate Products Ltd., Anchor Packaging LLC, Pactiv Evergreen Inc., Hos Win Enterprise Co. Ltd., Hyper Pack Private Limited, Thoran Paper Products, Noor Carton & Packaging Industry, Detmold Group, Plus Paper Foodpac Ltd., Yesve Enterprises, Richoos General Trading LLC, Packaging Industries LLC, YoonPak Company, Paper Machinery Corporation, Southern Champion Tray, International Paper, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Novolex Holdings Inc., Berry Global Inc., Sabert Corporation, Genpak LLC, Sonoco Products Company, Reynolds Consumer Products, CKF Inc., Day Young Enterprises Inc., KFC Corporation.

North America was the largest region in the chicken bucket market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global chicken bucket market during the forecast period. The regions covered in the chicken bucket market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the chicken bucket market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The chicken bucket market consists of sales of buckets for chicken made from cardboard material. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.