The Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) has urged Government to create a strategy that enables the “full potential” of poultry as a national growth driver.
In its latest Viewpoint Special Report, ‘Driving growth through a thriving food system’, IGD said that by investing in the expansion of horticulture and poultry production, strategic policy action “could generate £5 billion in investment” while boosting annual domestic production by £1.3 billion by 2030, potentially creating 60,000 jobs and “strengthening the UK’s food security”.
The report stated that the poultry industry is a “strong growth story”, contributing £7.5 billion to the UK economy and supporting around 110,000 jobs. From 2015 to 2024, UK chicken meat production has increased by 2.7% annually, rising from 1.4 million tonnes to 1.8 million tonnes. With consumer demand continuing to climb, the sector is “poised for even greater expansion”, said IGD, with the potential for 5.8% growth between 2024 and 2030, firmly positioning poultry at the heart of the UK’s protein supply.
Potential for 60,000 new jobs
IGD highlighted that on a national level, economic growth was “rightly the UK’s top priority”, while being key to “reversing stagnant incomes and improving living standards”, which it said have been compressed since 2008.
It said that economic growth “directly benefitted” every household, and stated that boosting domestic poultry and horticulture would help control food inflation and “protect consumers from unpredictable swings in global food prices. According to IGD, it will shorten supply chains, reduce reliance on unstable import markets and lower the UK’s food-related emissions, which may ultimately result in 60,000 new job opportunities.
To unlock the potential for UK poultry and horticulture, IGD urged for targeted Government action in key areas, including embedding a national spatial plan in the National Planning Policy Framework to pre-identify optimal locations for poultry shed expansion based on infrastructure, environmental impact and market access.
“We urge the Government to act now on enabling the full potential of poultry and horticulture as national growth drivers.”
Matthew Stoughton-Harris
Matthew Stoughton-Harris, head of resilience at IGD, commented: “The UK food system is more than a contributor to growth – it’s a catalyst for resilience and renewal. Its reach into every community, its role in employment, and its potential to address national challenges make it uniquely positioned to support purposeful economic recovery. But growth must be targeted. Unlocking opportunities in sectors that align with health, sustainability, and productivity goals will help the food system grow not only bigger, but better.
“We urge the Government to act now on enabling the full potential of poultry and horticulture as national growth drivers. Draw on cross-sector expertise to create a joint, actionable strategy with clear responsibilities and timelines. Only with a unified national strategy can we unlock the full potential of these critical sectors.”
