Middle East countries, particularly Saudi Arabia which South Africa sees as a potential poultry export market, are increasing their own poultry production.
The trend is reported by WATTPoultry, quoting research by Nan-Dirk Mulder of Rabobank.
Poultry remains a preferred protein in the Middle East, where Rabobank reports production is expected to rise by 2 million metric tons by 2035. Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Iraq are the region’s top producers.
Mulder reports a stronger focus on self-sufficiency as demand for chicken grows.
“In Saudi Arabia, for example, poultry meat self-sufficiency has risen from 39% in 2019 to 68% today, driven by government strategy and industry support. Other governments have also launched programs to boost self-sufficiency. In the UAE, the National Food Security Strategy 2051 aims to ensure affordable access to safe, nutritious food.
“However, despite these efforts, self-sufficiency levels for poultry meat still vary widely by country, and approaches differ,” Mulder said.
