22/07/2025
How much of the chicken on your plate is raised in the UK?
This may seem insignificant, but this is a question that more and more consumers find themselves considering. Due to both domestic and international political turbulence directly affecting the UK poultry and agriculture sectors over the last decade, the demand for UK produced food goods has never been so high.
Poultry has long been a cornerstone of our country’s agricultural sector, contributing significantly to both the economy and food security. With growing consumer demand for high-quality, locally sourced chicken, understanding the landscape of UK chicken production is critical, especially for supply chain managers and logistics professionals in the food industry.
This means ensuring a well-managed and transparent supply chain by fostering farm to fork principles through efficient logistics and production practices, all key to meeting consumer expectations while maintaining sustainability and minimising costs.
The UK poultry sector is a significant contributor to the economy, rearing over 1 billion broilers annually, adding more than £4.6 billion to the national GDP. Poultry accounts for nearly 50% of meat consumed within the UK, with the average Brit eating approximately 35kg of chicken each year.
Furthermore, an impressive 1.8 million tonnes of chicken meat were produced in 2020 alone, a volume that highlights the scale of operations across the country. Key regions such as East Anglia, Yorkshire and the Midlands dominate production due to their favourable landscapes for farming and established poultry infrastructures.
However, despite domestic success, imported chicken still supplements UK demand, demonstrating the importance of cohesive supply chain management to maintain balance.
The poultry market in Britain is driven by several key industry leaders, such as the 2 Sisters Food Group. These companies play a pivotal role in shaping the industry through their expertise in farming, processing and distribution.
In addition to their focus on sustainability, these companies prioritise maintaining some of the highest animal welfare standards worldwide, ensuring ethical practices are at the core of their operations. Their efforts not only support the growing demand for quality poultry products but also set benchmarks for responsible production in the global market.
In fact, over 95% of UK poultry production is certified under the Red Tractor scheme. This certification ensures:
This structured approach guarantees reliable, high-quality poultry production for consumers, while supporting ethical and sustainable practices.
Consumer Demand
Chicken remains a versatile, affordable and protein-rich staple, making it a top choice among consumers. The UK’s move towards healthier lifestyles has also boosted demand for options like free-range and organic poultry.
Export Opportunities
With exports hitting 378,000 tonnes in 2020, poultry continues to perform well in international markets, particularly in countries such as Ghana and the Philippines.
Government Policies
Standards enforced by schemes like Red Tractor and agricultural subsidies ensure high food quality and improved farming practices.
Sustainability Pressures
With growing emphasis on reducing carbon footprints, the entire industry is adopting eco-friendly farming techniques, sustainable packaging solutions and ethical processing methods.
Food Safety and Traceability
Ensuring chicken meat meets stringent food safety standards is fundamental but can be costly without effective solutions.
Packaging and Logistics Strain
Handling large volumes of poultry requires durable packaging and smooth logistics. Fluctuating demand during peak times, such as Christmas, adds stress to supply chains.
Labour Shortages
Reliance on a significant workforce, particularly during seasonal spikes, can create bottlenecks in production and transport.
PPS Equipment plays a pivotal role in optimising poultry supply chain operations, ensuring product integrity and minimising costs through innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Our returnable plastic crate hire and pooling services are central to this approach, offering durable and hygienic options solutions to food transportation requirements.
PPS prioritises safety and cleanliness throughout the supply chain. All of our food grade plastic crates are professionally cleaned at our BRC-accredited wash facilities before reuse, ensuring compliance with the highest hygiene standards. This guarantees food safety from production to delivery.
By promoting the principles of a circular economy, PPS reduces reliance on single-use materials such as polystyrene and cardboard. Reusable and repairable returnable transit packaging lower overall packaging waste while helping businesses achieve significant cost savings.
PPS crates and plastic pallets are engineered for durability, capable of withstanding the rigorous demands of transit throughout the supply chain. Their lightweight yet robust construction ensures optimal performance, while their stackable design maximises storage and transportation efficiency.
We provide adaptable crate-hire services designed to meet fluctuating business needs. This allows companies to scale their operations seamlessly during periods of heightened demand, eliminating the need for significant capital investments in additional packaging.
The poultry industry in the UK plays a significant role in the national economy, supporting a wide network of stakeholders, including farmers, manufacturers, processors and logistics professionals.
As demand for poultry continues to rise, businesses must adopt innovative strategies to ensure sustainable growth.
At PPS, we’re committed to driving efficiency and sustainability in poultry supply chains. Whether you need food crates for hire, advice on scaling operations or professional cleaning services, we’re here to help.
To learn more about optimising your supply chain and adopting durable, hygienic packaging solutions, contact our expert team today.
