July 31, 2014

US sees 17% rise in chicken-based food products 

The average figure for food products containing chicken, has risen by 17% from 5.2% recorded in 2012, according to a survey by the National Chicken Council of the US.

Respondents were asked about food they had consumed in the last two weeks. Those aged between 18- to 24-years-old were most likely to eat chicken, with 7.7% of meals or snacks containing the protein.

Tom Super, the vice-president of communications at the National Chicken Council, said: "With tight supplies in the cattle and hog herds, and accompanying record beef and pork prices, it's not surprising to see a double-digit increase in chicken consumption this year.

"What is surprising to me, is that health and nutrition and taste both topped cost as the reason consumers are turning more to the original white meat."

Thirty-four per cent chose chicken for health/nutritional reasons, while 32% for taste and 17% on price. Twenty-four per cent also said they believed they would eat more chicken over the next 12 months.

The online survey compiled the responses from 1,019 adults.