In a reflection of changing food values and global trade dynamics, chicken feet, a part of the chicken that was once overlooked, has transformed into a sought-after delicacy in Brazil. Chef Jiang Pu recalls how, when her family immigrated to Brazil in 1998, chicken feet were given away for free at butcher shops due to their low status as a food item. Today, this same part is being sold for R$ 14 per kilogram in São Paulo, highlighting a significant shift in consumer perception and demand.

This change can be attributed to the impacts of China's commercial opening over two decades ago, especially after 2009 when Brazil was allowed to export chicken meat to China. The popularity of chicken feet in Chinese cuisine has driven up their value in the Brazilian market, transforming what was once a byproduct of the meat industry into a profitable commodity. According to analyst Fernando Iglesias from Safras & Mercado, the average price of chicken feet in Brazil has seen a dramatic increase, with prices in 2026 reaching R$ 5.75 per kilogram, a 41.3% rise since 2020.

Ricardo Santin, president of the Brazilian Chicken Association, explains that this trend reflects a broader evolution in the food industry, where restaurants and consumers are increasingly embracing traditional and exotic foods. The rise in demand for chicken feet not only signifies changing tastes but also highlights the economic shifts within agricultural practices due to international trade relations, showcasing how local markets can be affected by global demand.