An impression of stability has been apparent in the UK poultry market during the past few months, with home production subsiding since spring 1999, imports down in January this year, and prices flat rather than falling. However, destocking and reduced exports allowed total domestic usage to continue increasing. Saturation of the retail market for whole birds and perhaps for primary cuts tempted red meat industry observers to claim poultry's advance had been halted on several occasions during the 1990s, and possibly the same mistake is being made again. Unsatisfied demand from price-sensitive further processors and product manufacturers could provide the opportunity third country suppliers need as their output surges (The Grocer, May 6, p22). {{MEAT }}