Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
697. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department has reviewed the future prospects for the Irish poultry sector with particular reference to market penetration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60490/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPoultrymeat, which is a food in high protein, has seen an increase in demand in recent years. Irish production reached record levels in 2020, with a total of 111 million birds processed in Department approved establishments. Figures for 2021 to date suggested that total volume is up around 1% on 2020 levels.
In addition, prices for poultry meat have remained relatively stable and prices at end of October 2021 for poultry meat were €2.15 per kg, a 1c/kg increase on the same period of 2020.
At a domestic level, reductions at food service level appear to have been compensated for by increased demand at retail level. According to data released by Kantar, domestic fresh poultry sales for the 52-week end period to 31st October 2021 come in at just under €315 million.
However, the value of poultry meat exports for 2020 decreased by 12.1% on 2019 to just under €256 million, with the effect of falling food service demand in international markets a major factor.
Changes to global supply patterns and the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a decrease in the value of exports, as well as a decrease in the tonnage for 2021, coming in at €167.1 million and 68,087 tonnes respectively as of September year-to-date. However, poultry meat retains a positive perception amongst consumers.
The Food Vision 2030 Strategy published by my Department in August is a new 10-year strategy for the Irish agrifood sector which envisages that Ireland will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the next decade.
Developing market opportunities at home and abroad is an important strategic goal and the creation of added value through insight, innovation and enhancement of consumer trust will be critical to its achievement.
As in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term. My Department will continue to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agrifood sector.
