In the long run
For a future further ahead, Nan-Dirk Mulder sees favorable figures for the poultry industry. “The demand for animal proteins will increase by 20% in the next 10 years. The growing world population is responsible for half of that growth. Rising incomes and more prosperity account for the other half. If you go deeper into the different types of proteins, we expect that further fluctuations will gradually take place.”
The most affordable protein
There has been a shift towards chicken consumption over the last 20, 30 years. That will continue. “In the next decade, poultry meat will continue to be the most important, fastest-growing animal protein,” says Nan-Dirk Mulder. A growth of approximately 25% is expected. Chicken is the most affordable protein, not limited by any culture. Muslims aren’t allowed to eat pork, while Hindus don’t eat beef, but everybody eats chicken.
Lowest footprint
In addition, the carbon footprint of an individual protein will increasingly be scrutinized in the future. In that perspective, poultry products, and eggs too, are highly competitive, because, among animal proteins, it is the product with the lowest footprint.
Growth in developing world
“If you dig deeper into these figures, it is important to notice that this growth will take place in the developing world for about 80% and in the developed world for 20%. In the developing world, the focus will be much more on affordability, availability, restaurants and sales, while in the Western world, the focus will be much more on concepts and added value.”
A great outlook
According to Nan-Dirk Mulder, poultry is definitely the most exciting sector and the fastest-growing sector. “In that respect, I believe the outlook is great in the decades to come if poultry companies manage to take full advantage of the opportunities in the industry.”