UK Chicken Production Faces Pressure as Imports Rise

The growth of chicken production in the United Kingdom is facing pressure as the country becomes increasingly dependent on imported poultry meat.

A new report from food producer Cranswick found that the UK imported more than twice the value of chicken in 2025 compared with 2020. Major sources included Poland, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Brazil and Thailand.

The report said domestic chicken production had been an important area of growth in UK agriculture but warned that the progress could be affected by rising imports. It called on the government to take action, including speeding up approvals for new poultry sheds.

Research by Oxford Economics for the report found that Cranswick supports about 49,900 jobs across the UK and contributes £3.3 billion to the country’s economy, including more than £1 billion in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Cranswick said it remains committed to investing in British food production and plans to reinvest half of its annual EBITDA in the UK. The company said stronger domestic production could support food security, jobs and economic activity.