UK poultry meat production remained ahead of last year in July, although the pace of growth slowed compared with the previous month, with heavier broilers continuing to support output.
Total UK poultry meat production reached 180,000 tonnes in July, up 2.7% on the same month in 2025, according to the latest Defra figures. Broiler meat production increased 3.3% to 168,000 tonnes, while the number of broilers slaughtered was almost unchanged at 99.2 million.
The figures highlight the continuing importance of bird weights in driving production. Average broiler liveweight reached 2.5kg in July, 3.3% higher than a year earlier. With slaughter numbers virtually flat, the increase in average weight accounted for much of the growth in meat output.
Boiling fowl slaughterings increased 16% year on year to 2.9 million birds, while turkey slaughterings rose 13% to 0.7 million.
The forward production picture also remains relatively strong. Broiler chick placings increased 4.4% year on year in July to 102.2 million, while turkey poult placements rose 47% to 1.6 million. Commercial layer chick placings increased 1.5% to 3.5 million.
Egg production
The latest quarterly figures show UK egg production continuing to expand, although growth has moderated slightly from the first quarter.
Production of eggs reached 272 million dozen in Q2 2026, up 3.4% on the same quarter last year. The average farmgate price was 153p/dozen, 3.1% higher year on year.
Egg product production was particularly strong, reaching 19,400 tonnes, up 32.3% on Q2 2025, suggesting continued demand from processors and food manufacturers.
UK egg packing-station intake increased 2.7% to 268.1 million dozen, with free-range eggs accounting for 76% of throughput.
The latest figures also show a sharp increase in the quantity of eggs purchased by UK processors, which rose 34% year on year to 25,200 tonnes in Q2.
Overall, the latest data continues to point to a poultry sector producing more meat and eggs than a year ago, with heavier broilers rather than significantly higher slaughter numbers remaining a key driver of growth.