October 31, 2009

 

China's chicken consumption seen to increase sharply

 

 

China's consumption of white feather chicken could soon catch up with Taiwan's, meaning the size of the chicken market could more than double, according to DaChan Food (Asia) Ltd., China's largest chicken meat processor.

 

The increase will be supported by China's rapid economic growth. Consumption of chicken meat will grow faster than any other meat, said DaChan chairman Mark Han.

 

White feather chickens account for about half of China's annual 11 million tonnes of chicken consumption, and are mainly bred in northern China.

 

Per capita consumption in China is between six to eight kg, one third of the 18 kg consumed by the average Taiwanese, Han said.

 

Pork is a staple in the diets of consumers in China, the world's largest pork consumer. But chicken meat, which is cheaper than pork, has picked up the past few years, particularly after the rapid expansion of fast food chain outlets such as Kentucky Fried Chicken.