Philippines may shift meat demand to chicken

Poultry producers in the Philippines are expecting to see a shift in demand from pork to chicken in the coming months due to a shortfall in pork supply.

Poultry supply is tight but the demand is low, therefore there should not be a problem in meeting a higher demand, according to Gregorio San Diego, president of the United Broilers and Raisers Association.

The poultry industry is also importing five million kg of chicken, which will arrive next month, he said.

Farmgate prices for live chicken have increased to around PHP89 to PHP91 (US$1.89 to US$1.94) per kg.

But it is unknown if retail prices will increase next month due to the shift, as poultry producers have no control over retail prices, said San Diego.

Demand in December normally rises due to the regular Christmas and New Year's celebrations. But the ailing economy and recent devastation by the series of typhoons and floodings may lower spending.

As a result, consumer demand for chicken may not increase as much as the producers would like.