Quail meat has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its taste and health benefits. Quail is a small bird that is farmed for its meat and eggs. The meat is lean, tender and flavorful. It is lower in fat and calories compared to chicken or turkey. Quail meat is also a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals.
Why is quail meat gaining popularity?
There are several reasons why quail meat is gaining popularity in India, especially in cities like Delhi:
- Unique taste – Quail meat has a unique taste that is different from chicken or other poultry. The flavor is often described as delicate and gamier.
- Health benefits – Quail meat is leaner and lower in fat and cholesterol compared to chicken. It is high in protein and iron. Quail eggs are also packed with nutrients.
- Exotic appeal – Quail is seen as a more exotic and gourmet meat compared to regular chicken.
- Versatile cooking – Quail meat can be used in a variety of dishes from curries to grills to roast.
- No religious taboo – Unlike meats like pork or beef, quail can be consumed by most communities.
The growing demand for quail is driven by rising incomes, exposure to global food trends and the health consciousness of urban consumers. Quail farming is also gaining prominence as a viable business opportunity for enterprising farmers and startups.
Average retail price of quail meat in Delhi
The average retail price of quail meat in Delhi ranges from ₹600 to ₹800 per kg depending on where you buy it from. Here are some of the common retail rates:
- Farmgate price – ₹500 to ₹600 per kg
- Local wet markets – ₹650 to ₹750 per kg
- Specialized quail shops – ₹700 to ₹800 per kg
- Online home delivery – ₹750 to ₹850 per kg
- Premium hotels/restaurants – ₹800 to ₹1000 per kg
The prices vary depending on whether the quail is live, freshly slaughtered, frozen or processed. Live quail commands the lowest price while ready-to-cook frozen or marinated quail meat is priced higher.
Price trend analysis
Over the past 5 years, the retail price of quail meat in Delhi has steadily increased from around ₹400 per kg in 2018 to over ₹800 per kg today. Here are some key reasons for this rapid price increase:
- Rising demand – As quail meat gained popularity, demand has outpaced supply leading to price rise.
- Increased production costs – The cost of quail farming, processing and transport has gone up resulting in higher retail prices.
- Premium positioning – Quail is now positioned as a premium/gourmet meat which commands higher prices.
- Strong distribution network – Online sales and specialized retail shops have allowed wider reach at higher prices.
Quail farming entrepreneurs have seen great returns as profit margins doubled from ₹100-150 per kg to ₹300-400 per kg today. With demand projected to grow steadily, quail meat prices are expected to remain firm in the short to medium term.
Price comparison with chicken
To compare, the average retail price of broiler chicken in Delhi is around ₹150-200 per kg. So quail meat commands a significant premium over chicken rates. Some key reasons for this price difference are:
- Smaller size of quail – Dress weight of quail is much lower than broiler chicken.
- Lower supply – Quail production is currently limited compared to the large broiler chicken industry.
- Higher input costs – Quail rearing and processing costs are higher.
- Premium positioning – Quail meat is targeted at high-end consumers unlike chicken which is a commodity.
However, the price gap between quail and chicken is expected to narrow down as quail farming scales up to meet rising demand. Improvements in productivity will also lower costs.
Price forecast
Going forward, quail meat prices in Delhi are projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 10-15% over the next 5 years. Here is a projected price forecast:
| Year | Forecasted Price Range (₹/kg) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 800 – 900 |
| 2024 | 900 – 1000 |
| 2025 | 1000 – 1200 |
| 2026 | 1200 – 1400 |
| 2027 | 1400 – 1600 |
Some of the key factors that will influence quail meat prices are:
- Rising demand from more health-conscious consumers.
- Increasing quail egg and meat production.
- Improved farming technology and productivity.
- Emergence of organized quail farming companies.
- Enhanced supply chain and cold storage infrastructure.
- Value-added products like quail salami, sausages, etc.
However, if the supply growth outpaces demand rise, prices could stabilize earlier. Government regulation on pricing may also impact the trajectory.
Regional variation in prices
Quail meat prices in India vary across different regions based on local supply, demand dynamics and transportation costs. Here’s a look at price range across major cities:
| City | Price Range (₹/kg) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 800 – 1000 |
| Mumbai | 850 – 1100 |
| Chennai | 750 – 950 |
| Kolkata | 700 – 900 |
| Bengaluru | 850 – 1050 |
| Hyderabad | 800 – 1000 |
| Lucknow | 750 – 950 |
Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, where demand is high, tend to have higher prices. Tier 2/3 cities have lower rates ranging ₹600-800 per kg.
Factors impacting pricing
There are several factors that impact the retail pricing of quail meat in Delhi and other parts of India:
- Feed costs – As quail are fed specialized high protein feed, raw material costs affect production economics.
- Land and labor costs – These input costs vary across locations impacting farm-gate rates.
- Distribution network – Well-developed cold chain allow wider reach at lower costs.
- Seasonality – During festive periods, higher demand pushes up prices.
- Processing – Value-added ready-to-cook quail cuts are priced higher.
- Retail margins – Fancy outlets charge higher margins compared to regular stores.
- Export demand – Stronger overseas demand can divert supply locally.
Price outlook
The price outlook for quail meat in Delhi and India remains positive driven by buoyant demand from upwardly mobile consumers seeking healthier and exotic meat options. However, prices are expected to stabilize as more organized quail farming operators enter the market improving productivity and scalability.
Government policy also remains supportive with quail farming being promoted as a profitable venture for aspiring entrepreneurs. Coupled with continued urbanization and exposure to global food trends, quail meat consumption is poised for robust growth ahead.
In summary, while prices have rapidly risen in recent years, the quail meat market is now expected to grow at a more sustainable rate as production scales up to meet demand. Nevertheless, quail will command a significant premium over other poultry meats for being a niche product targeted at high-end urban consumers.
