Poultry sector is taking off
With poultry now accounting for nearly half of all the meat bought in the UK, we are encouraging farmers considering expanding or diversifying to take the plunge as the consumer’s appetite for UK-produced chicken looks set to increase in the future.
The UK's poultry industry is becoming one of the largest in Europe. British people eat an estimated 2.2 million chickens per day and the industry contributes more than £3 billion to the economy annually, directly employing more than 37,000 people.
There are so many exciting opportunities when it comes to poultry production in the UK right now for those farmers looking to expand or diversify.
The increase in demand for British chicken should be music to the ears of poultry producers looking to expand as these farmers already have the infrastructure in place which would make it easier for them to increase their production.
Intensive poultry farms are on the rise. The number of poultry farms holding more than 40,000 birds increased by 27 per cent during 2011 and 2017. The Environment Agency defines poultry farms as ‘intensive’ if they have capacity for housing at least 40,000 birds.
Consumer demand for the use of British egg products has also increased significantly. According to recent research three quarters of UK shoppers say British eggs should always be used in prepared foods.
Statistics from the British Free Range Egg Producers Association show that the free range egg sector has grown rapidly to occupy about 60 per cent of the market share of retail egg sales, produced by over 20 million hens.
With a population increase and steady growth in market share in the years leading up to 2025 it predicts another growth in sales of free range eggs. BFREPA predicts an additional 1.8 million hens will be required to fulfil a five per cent increase in demand.
With conservative estimates quoting £58 million in new housing and equipment needed to meet this demand, we need to encourage all those that are currently considering free range egg production to come forward.
Roger Parry & Partners can take care of almost all aspects of the process if you are considering entering into the realms of poultry production.
Richard Corbett, Roger Parry & Partners.
