Forecast: Poultry Meat Slaughtering in South Africa

The poultry meat slaughtering industry in South Africa has exhibited fluctuations over the past decade, with notable increases and declines. From 2013 to 2023, actual data reflect a cyclical pattern. The industry's volume increased to 1003.5 million heads in 2023, showing slight year-on-year growth of 0.94%. The 5-year CAGR leading up to 2023 stood at 2.27%, indicating a positive albeit modest growth trajectory. Between 2020 and 2022, the sector experienced recovery phases, with variations seeing a climb back to pre-2016 levels.

Forecasted data from 2024 to 2028 project a steady growth with an average annual increase of 0.75%. The industry is expected to grow by approximately 3.78% over the next five years, reaching 1052.1 million heads by 2028. This outlook suggests a stable but slow-growing trend.

Future trends to watch for:

• Impact of trade policies and tariffs on poultry imports and domestic production.
• Changes in consumer preferences toward poultry as a protein source.
• Advancements in production technology and their effects on efficiency.
• Interventions to mitigate the effects of diseases impacting poultry stock.