The chicken meat slaughtering industry in South Africa has experienced fluctuations over the past decade, with the number of units (Heads) peaking at intervals. By 2023, the industry reached 1002.1 million units, demonstrating a steady increase in yearly output despite some downturns in previous years. Notably, the year-on-year variation saw a minor increase of 0.94% in 2023, and the CAGR for the last five years was 2.28%, reflecting consistent growth.
Between 2013 and 2023, the industry saw significant shifts, including drops in 2016 and 2018, and recoveries post-2019. Forecast data predicts this growth trend will continue through to 2028, maintaining an average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.75% and a forecasted 5-year growth rate of 3.79%, pointing to steady, albeit moderate, expansion.
Future trends to watch for:
• The impact of technological advancements in poultry farming on production efficiency.
• Shifts in consumer preferences towards sustainability and animal welfare.
• Regulatory changes and their effects on industry operations.
• Economic factors influencing feed costs and overall industry profitability.
• Potential impacts of global trade policies on the export and import dynamics.
