Rising feed prices mean chicken could soon cost as much as beef, says Co-op

Rising feed prices mean chicken could soon cost as much as beef, says Co-op

Chicken’s relative affordability has helped make it the country’s meat of choice but one of the UK’s biggest food retailers has warned it could soon be as pricey as beef as production costs soar.

Steve Murrells, chief executive of the Co-op, said feed costs had become a huge challenge for the poultry industry. “Chicken could become as expensive as beef. Chicken, which was incredibly cheap and great value for money, is rising quicker than any other protein.”

Chicken is the country’s most popular meat, with consumption levels far outstripping beef, lamb or pork. At a time when household food bills are already rising, higher priced chicken is likely to have a disproportionate impact on lower income families.