Poultry The industry is currently experiencing shortages from all countries on supplies of chicken. This is due to the further spread of Avian Influenza in Poland with at least two abattoirs shut for at least another month. This has come at a time when Newcastle disease, a highly contagious virus that affects birds, especially poultry, is on the increase in Poland, making things a lot worse. The recent cull of 110,000 birds over a two-week February period has further pressured the poultry industry. Prices rising As we come out of winter into spring, there is traditionally more demand for chicken. We will also hit the Dutch bank holidays where they have 4-day weeks for around 4 out of 8 weeks. This always causes prices to rise and a shortage of chicken. On top of the current situation in Poland, we could see prices keep rising for the next 4-6 weeks. The UK market hasn’t been helped by the new ruling that birds require more space in the pens to move around. This has started to be implemented over the last few weeks. This will mean there is less UK chicken on the market, as space for more sheds to cover the loss of birds is causing issues. . Higher welfare chicken commitment As widely reported, many UK chicken producers are mobilising towards the higher welfare chicken commitment. The project is designed to address the issues related to breeding for fast growth and high yield, stocking density and slaughter, where cages and multi-tier systems will be banned. In return, chicken reared in these current systems will still be kept indoors but will have more space with the aim to use birds with a slower genetic growth potential (longer life) and will have access to better natural lighting and perches. Producer yield and throughputs will become significantly lower whilst costs remain the same, therefore the costs will ultimately be passed on. Campbell Brothers are committed to working with our key partners to ensure our clients have access to the higher welfare poultry. Turkeys affected: Turkeys have been hit by the issues in Poland as well, so prices have not dropped significantly since the start of the New Year, which they would normally do. Some turkey producers in the UK are considering switching to chicken production, as they can raise three batches of chickens in the same timeframe it takes to raise one batch of turkeys. This shift could lead to shortages for customers seeking UK turkey later in the year. As from April there will be some significant price increases, along with possible shortages, which is down to the following factors, please note that this is industry wide and not specific to Campbell Brothers. We are working closely with our suppliers to limit any disruption to supply, To date in 2025, a total of 109 commercial premises have been hit by the virus in 14 countries monitored by the EC. Highest totals so far have been confirmed by Poland (37), Hungary (23), and Italy (21). For comparison, the EC recorded a total of 451 outbreaks across 20 countries during the whole of 2024. www.campbellbrothers.co.uk
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