Transformative Trends Shaping the Poultry Production Landscape

The poultry production landscape has undergone a significant transformation in response to evolving consumer preferences, ethical considerations, and technological advancements. As we move forward, these trends are likely to continue shaping the industry and influencing the choices consumers make in the years to come.

Fremont, CA: In recent times, notable changes in consumer behavior have brought about disruptions in the food industry, with a particular impact on poultry production. The following trends are currently playing a pivotal role in reshaping the dynamics of the poultry industry:

Transparent Practices Take Center Stage:

As a response to heightened concerns about animal welfare, exacerbated by negative PR efforts from animal rights organizations in the 2010s, transparency in the poultry industry became paramount. A 2013 study by the US Farmers and Ranchers Alliance revealed that almost sixty percent of participants believed eateries and supermarkets should disclose information about the origins of their food. Consequently, chicken farmers and merchants have made a concerted effort to provide more information about the care, feeding, and handling of their birds.

Rise of Plant-Based Alternatives:

A significant transformation occurred in the plant-based food sector, with nearly 90 percent of consumers of plant-based proteins today not identifying as vegetarians or vegans. The $4.5 billion plant-based food market experienced a remarkable 31 percent increase in sales over the last two years. Flexitarians, advocating for reduced but not eliminated meat consumption for health and environmental reasons, have contributed to the growing popularity of plant-based alternatives.

Technological Integration in Dietary Habits:

The proliferation of smartphones has significantly altered how people approach their dietary choices. In the pre-2023 era, only 35 percent of Americans owned a smartphone, a figure that has now more than doubled to 81 percent. This surge in smartphone usage has led to the development of applications facilitating the convenient delivery of groceries, meal kits, and dishes from any restaurant. The increasing reliance on takeout reflects the fast-paced lifestyles of individuals, with off-premises eating accounting for over twenty percent of all restaurant sector sales in 2018.

Embracing Antibiotic-Free and Organic Practices:

Over the past decade, consumer preferences have shifted towards organic and antibiotic-free poultry. Concerns about antibiotic-resistant germs in human goods have driven this change, prompting chicken manufacturers such as Tyson Foods to rebrand their entire product range as "No Antibiotics Ever." Sales of organic food have doubled during this period as consumers increasingly prioritize products that align with their health and environmental values.