Poultry production in the European Union (EU) is expected to increase in 2015 and 2016, according to the European Commission Short Term Outlook report of EU arable crops, dairy and meat markets in 2015 and 2016.
The report calls for 13.5 million metric tons of poultry produced in EU nations by 2016, up from the 13.2 million metric tons produced in 2014. The report stated that goal should be met, provided that feed prices remain favorable and avian influenza outbreaks are kept under control.
EU poultry production in 2014
Four of the EU’s biggest producers of poultry increased production in 2014. Spain saw the biggest increase on a percentage basis, with a 10 percent increase when compared to 2013. Poultry production in Poland increased 9 percent, while production in Germany and the Netherlands was up 4 percent and 2 percent, respectively.
In contrast, poultry production in the United Kingdom and France remained relatively stable. The commission’s report stated that financial struggles with two major poultry companies likely prevented French poultry production from increasing.
EU poultry consumption rises
Per capita consumption of poultry in the EU during 2014 saw an increase of 2.5. The European Commission report stated that a weak economic recovery and the relative affordability of poultry products helped per capita consumption increase.
