Avara pushes welfare gains and climate targets as poultry demand rises
Avara Foods says strong consumer demand and higher welfare standards are reshaping British chicken production, in its 2026 ‘For Good’ Responsible Business Report.
Chicken remains the UK’s fastest-growing meat, with nearly 85% of households buying fresh product. But Avara warns that domestic supply is struggling to keep pace, with only 40% of demand growth met by UK production since 2000, raising concerns over increasing reliance on imports.
The company has completed its full transition to lower stocking densities across its broiler supply chain. All farms now operate at 30kg/m² – well below UK and Red Tractor limits. Early results show marked welfare gains, including a 45% drop in footpad dermatitis and a 54% reduction in hock burn, the company said.
Avara’s agriculture director, David Neilson, said: “Over the last few years we’ve consistently performed ahead of industry averages for key indicators of good physical welfare, and have achieved best in class welfare outcomes. This is because of our commitment to continual improvement: no matter how well we’re doing, we have a desire and belief that we can always do better. Since we moved to 30kg’s, every measurable physical welfare indicator for our birds has improved.”
The benefits extend beyond just the birds, Neilson said: “The early feedback from farmers has also been positive, noting they have more time and space on farm, making it easier to review flock health and manage their birds.”
Farmers are also seeing practical benefits. Lower densities have improved litter management and reduced feed use per bird, cutting carbon emissions while giving stockmen more time to monitor flock health.
On sustainability, Avara reports it is ahead of schedule on climate targets. Since 2019, it has cut emissions by over 170 million kg of CO₂e, aided by a switch to zero-carbon electricity and efficiency gains across operations. Scope 1 and 2 emissions are down 30% from baseline, with Scope 3 emissions also falling.
In the report, the company also pushes back on environmental criticism linked to the River Wye, arguing poultry producers are not directly responsible for nutrient management once manure leaves the farm.