SA poultry industry soars

by AKANI CHAUKE 
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Africa’s poultry industry is celebrating a period of remarkable growth and transformation, with stakeholders hailing the sector’s recovery as one of the country’s leading agricultural success stories.

The achievements were highlighted during the first Economic Oversight Committee meeting involving the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Department of Agriculture, and stakeholders behind the Poultry Masterplan launched in 2019.

Industry leaders said the meeting marked a major milestone in the rebuilding and expansion of South Africa’s poultry sector following years of pressure from dumped imports and rising production costs.

One of the most significant developments has been the rapid pace of transformation across the industry. Thirty-two project leaders were recognised for establishing large-scale poultry operations, each representing average investments of around R45 million.

Among the standout projects was the KC Hatchery, which attracted investment of more than R135 million.

The industry also acknowledged the contribution of 20 broiler contract farmers, alongside the establishment of three new hatcheries and approximately eight egg-laying facilities.

Collectively, the 32 projects have achieved a 100 per cent success rate, with total investment exceeding R1 billion.

Industry representatives described this as a major achievement for South African agriculture and evidence of the effectiveness of the Poultry Masterplan strategy.

Before 2019, the sector faced severe challenges linked to dumped poultry imports from several countries.

Investigations by the International Trade Administration Commission confirmed unfair trade practices, resulting in the introduction of anti-dumping duties aimed at protecting local producers.

Since the implementation of the Poultry Masterplan, the industry has invested more than R2.1 billion.

Production has risen by 26 per cent, increasing from 19.7 million to 23 million birds slaughtered weekly between 2019 and 2025.

The industry’s growth has continued despite difficult conditions, including high feed costs, the 2023 outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, and ongoing infrastructure problems affecting electricity, roads, ports and water supply.

Today, the poultry sector is valued at R74 billion and supports more than 110,000 jobs across South Africa’s value chain.

A recent competitiveness study by Wageningen University found South Africa’s poultry industry to be among the most efficient globally.

The country now produces chicken more cheaply than both the European Union and the United States, with only Brazil maintaining lower production costs.

Industry leaders said the sector’s recovery demonstrates the power of collaboration between government and private stakeholders in strengthening food security and delivering affordable protein to consumers.

– CAJ News