Viewpoint: The South African Poultry Industry

In this viewpoint, the profile of the South African poultry industry is given. Both sectors, eggs and meat production, are dominated by a small number oflarge scale producers. The main actors in the industry are the producers themselves, feed, equipment and other suppliers with retail outlets forming an integral part of the marketing of the products. Since the dissolution of the Egg Control Board, the industry is totally deregulated with supply and demand regulating the industry. When put together, the gross value of eggs and poultry meat was, during 1993/94, the highest of any agricultural product. The industry is also the single biggest consumer of yellow maize. It is a highly competitive and capital intensive industry that makes it rather difficult for new entrants. Apart from expansion by existing producers, opportunities for new entrants will include contract growing for existing producers and/or producing for a niche market. New small scale entrants will, apart from financial assistance, also need training, after care and help with procurement of livestock, goods and services.