Exclusive Poultry International report preview:
Italy’s poultry meat and egg production saw gains in 2015, and that growth is expected to continue into 2016.
Read the entire report about Italy's poultry production exclusively in the July issue of Poultry International.
Total poultry meat production in Italy rose by 3.6 percent from the previous year, to 1.31 million tons. By value, Italy’s poultry production is estimated to have been worth EUR5.56 billion (US$6.38 billion). Consumption of poultry meat in Italy rose by 3.9 percent last year.
The Italian egg industry also had positive news in 2015, as egg producers largely recovered from switching out of conventional cages and production levels returned almost to those before the switch.
Higher chicken meat output was the driver for the overall increase in poultry production last year. Turkey meat production also expanded slightly, while meat production from other poultry species was either flat or contracted.
Despite the increase in production and consumption, not all was positive for Italy’s poultry industry last year. The decline in broiler prices that occurred throughout 2014 continued into 2015. Nevertheless, the sector remained profitable due to the downward trend in feed prices that started in the second half of 2013 and has continued into 2016.
Italy’s egg production also expanded in 2015. Nevertheless, the country continues to import eggs. However, the need for egg imports is decreasing. Italy’s egg producers have been through a transitional period due to implementing European welfare legislation, abandoning conventional cages and adopting either enriched cages or free-range production systems. This resulted in production temporarily contracting. However, the sector is now working efficiently.
The following data is also available in Poultry International:
You'll also learn about:
- How to control Campylobacter in broiler production
- 5 tips for rasing healthy antibiotic-free poultry
- How to reduce cleaning costs in poultry meat processing
