Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
The Poultry Raising industry is being squeezed. Although industry revenue has contracted only marginally over the past five years, profit has fallen considerably due to higher feed costs, higher electricity bills and regulatory changes. These challenges have pushed many industry players out of the industry, as their operations have become unsustainable. Moreover, the phasing out of battery cages in January 2012, as directed by the Hen Welfare Directive ban, is increasing investment costs, effectively pushing industry players to the wall.
However, there have been rays of light for the industry. Egg consumption has increased over the past five years, as eggs have shed their negative image as a food product high in cholesterol... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Industry Products Chapter
The Poultry Raising industry is largely dominated by production of chicken meat and eggs for human consumption. This is largely due to the low price of chicken compared with all other meats including other poultry meats. Over the past decade, chicken has grown in importance in the British diet due to its versatility in cooking and its perception as being a relatively healthy, low-fat meat.
Producers have benefited from rising egg prices in the past few years, although this has been tempered somewhat by increasing import competition. During the past five years, the number of free-range hens has increased relative to the number of cage and barn-raised hens, as consumer interest in ethical and sustainable practices has grown... purchase to read more