Ireland: Annual Review & Outlook for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food 2007/2008

This report is an extract taken from the Annual Review & Outlook for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food 2007/2008, examining the poultry market situation in Ireland. It was published by the Irish Department or Agriculture Fisheries and Food.

11 July 2008

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Poultry and Eggs

General Market Situation 2007

2007 was a fairly satisfactory year for the poultry sector. Demand recovered well from the slump experienced in 2006, which was due to consumer concerns centred on avian influenza. The farm gate value of the poultry industry in Ireland was in the region of €150 million.

Output in Ireland

In 2007, the output value of the poultry sector remained stable compared with 2006 at just under €140 million.

Prices

Prices in the poultry sector remained stable for most of 2007 in Ireland. High feed costs, however, reduced profitability margins towards the end of the year.

Slaughterings

Slaughtering of poultry totalled approximately 73 million birds in 2007 – a reduction of 2.6% on 2006 levels.

Trade and Exports

The value of Irish poultrymeat exports in 2007 increased by approximately 5% to €253m (mainly value added products and chilled cuts). The UK market accounts for 80% of Irish poultry exports.

Outlook 2008

The outlook for the poultry industry for 2008 is favourable provided there are no major problems on the avian influenza front. Imports continue to exert serious competitive pressures on the indigenous poultry industry.

EU forecasts predict a stable market for 2008. Production levels are predicted to rise slightly (less than 2%) and prices are expected to maintain their strong levels. If feed costs remain high, however, profit margins will be reduced. As was the case in 2007, there will be a balanced demand for eggs in 2008 and prices are expected to remain stable.