This represents an increase of 60 per cent in the past six years - growing from approximately 3.1 million birds per week in 2009.

Moy Park’s UK and Ireland Director, Alan Gibson, attributes the growth to an increased demand for locally sourced, high-quality chicken.

He said: “This is a significant milestone for Moy Park. The growth has been driven by demand from our customers and consumers who recognise Moy Park as a top quality, innovative and service-orientated business.

“We continue to invest in our industry-leading agricultural base and our state-of-the-art processing facilities so we have the infrastructure in place to increase capacity to meet continued demand.”

Moy Park has 14 processing facilities across the UK, Ireland, Holland and France and works with over 800 farmers across Northern Ireland and England.

The company has embarked on a broiler expansion programme that will see 250 new poultry houses constructed in Northern Ireland.

Mr Gibson points to the company’s on-going investment as the bedrock for further growth.

He added: “Our broiler expansion programme has been hugely successful adding to our farming estate, which is the most modern in the UK.

“This coupled with our continued investment in our processing facilities, positions us positively for future growth.”

“Reaching five million birds per week is a huge achievement and I want to thank all those involved in the planning, building and implementation of Moy Park’s fresh poultry supply chain,” he said.