March 31, 2018

UK poultry meat production up 1% in 2017

Poultry meat produced in the UK increased 1% (13,600 tonnes) year-on-year in 2017, to 1.8 million tonnes, according to data from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), as reported by AHDB Pork.

Production from broiler chickens accounted for around 85% of all poultry meat produced in the UK, totalling 1.6 million tonnes from last year, up 2% (35,800 tonnes) year-on-year.

The total number of broiler chickens slaughtered rose 4% (44.3 million birds) during the same period, to 1.03 million birds. The number of boiling fowl (which includes spent hens and spent breeders) declined 6% (3,590 birds) year-on-year to 53,300 birds.

The number of broiler chick placings in 2017 increased 3% (34.6 million chicks) year-on-year to 1,047,200,000 chicks. Every month except December, the number of chick placings increased year-on-year. In January and February 2018, broiler chick placings also recorded strong year-on-year increases.

The UK imported 7% (31,100 tonnes) less fresh/frozen chicken meat in 2017 than in 2016, at 410,000 tonnes, according to data from HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs), while UK exports of chicken grew 18% (47,100 tonnes) in 2017 year-on-year, to 309,900 tonnes.

Over 95% of UK imports of fresh/frozen chicken meat come from other EU countries, while just over three quarters of exports are destined for the EU. 

AHDB Pork said that so far this year, chicken has performed strongly in the supermarkets, somewhat bucking the trend of other proteins. In the 12 weeks through Feb. 25, there were 18% more promotions on chicken, which has helped support an increase in volume sold, it added.