The British poultrymeat sector has called on the government to take action to address mounting supply chain pressures in the face of conflict in the Middle East.
Industry body the British Poultry Council this week warned supply disruptions were leading to increased cost pressures that would push up prices for consumers.
Energy and fuel inflation were voiced as a particular “vulnerability”.
Feed costs – which account for most of the cost of production – are also expected to rise, driven by an increase in fertiliser costs.
The BPC also voiced concerns that uncertainty over the supply of key vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which are “vital for health and welfare”, would lead to tighter supply on shelves.
“Taken together, these factors are creating sustained upward pressure on the cost of poultry production,” the BPC said. “While some increases may be absorbed by the industry, others will inevitably have to be passed on to consumers.”
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Short-term shocks were exacerbating long-term problems of resilience in domestic production, the BPC claimed.
And with consumer demand for poultry on the rise, it warned that planning barriers continued to limit growth and increase reliance on imports.
“Global events are once again challenging the resilience of our domestic food production,” said BPC CEO Richard Griffiths. “With chicken as half the meat this nation eats, we take our role seriously in ensuring people can access affordable food.
“The promise by government of a sector growth plan for poultry takes on a new urgency and we call on ministers to accelerate its delivery.”
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