Although the sector still faces tough challenges ahead; including increasing energy prices, chick placing’s have fallen steadily so far this year. Defra statistics shows that so far this year there has been 22 million birds placed in the first eight months of the year which is 5% lower compared with a year ago. Market intelligence suggests that the free range eggs are in tight supply, although colony eggs on the whole remain in oversupply. Feed prices have now returned to a more reasonable level following a year of astronomical prices which have placed much pressure on the industry.
The good news is that egg consumption continues to remain firm. The latest consumption figures from Kantar Worldpanel for the third quarter of 2013 have shown retail purchases of all eggs have increased by almost 4% on the same period a year ago. This has been driven by a considerable rise in both free range and colony egg sales. Interestingly sales of organic eggs have risen for the first time since the recession, with 3rd quarter egg sales up & year on year.
Poultry stats also features information on the chicken and turkey sectors. To read an edition of poultry stats please click on the related document link below. Please note these are members only so please have your membership details to hand.