A commissioned report analysing the economic impact of the poultry industry in 2012 released last week revealed that poultry meat production in the UK is underpinning a staggering £6.1 billion industry.

The figures, released on behalf of the British Poultry Council by Oxford Economics, highlight that the sector contributes a total of £3.3 billion to Gross Domestic Product.

The sector spends £1.6 billion on input goods with processors spending more than farms at 53% of overall spend. The report also adds that poultry production in the UK was responsible for supporting 73,000 jobs in 2012, 35,400 of whom are employed directly in the industry.

The report also touched on the amount that the industry does for boosting skills in the workforce.

George Eustice, Farming Minister, said that this was essential in terms of tackling a skills shortage in the manufacturing and agri-foods industry.

“School leavers are often under-equipped in the relevant skills needed for manufacturing, be it in food, aircraft or automobiles. However, it’s a testament to the poultry industry’s tenacity and belief in its people that it has worked to address the skills gap.

“The industry invests in its people and has undertaken a series of programmes, including its new schools packs, to increase awareness of careers in the industry. Combined with a series of funding initiatives, from NVQ to PHD level, the industry is on track to ensure a successful future.”

The Pendle Pig regularly comments on catering, culinary and produce news. A representative for the popular Lancashire-based hog roast catering company reacted to the news by celebrating the British produce sector.

“These details are very encouraging and show that the British poultry meat industry – and the produce sector in a more general sense – is in great health at the moment.

“British produce is some of the best in the world and we’d know because we source all of the meats that we cook from farmers in the local area and from around the UK. We work closely with independent suppliers to get the very best poultry in the country, providing our clients with an unforgettable culinary experience like no other.

“There is nothing quite like the experience of whole British pigs or chickens cooked on a spit until they reach their tender best – it’s that simple.”

The Pendle Pig is a catering company based in Pendle, Lancashire. They’re passionate about hog roasting and provide a variety of spit roasted catering options, including beef, lamb and poultry options such as chicken and turkey. Additionally, The Pendle Pig provides machine hire options so that you can cook your own pig and poultry meat for your event, barbecue or business. Visit their website today at www.hogroastlancashire.co.uk for more information.