UK poultry prices have experienced significant volatility in recent weeks. As a leading wholesaler, S.R Davis has a vested interest in helping our customers navigate these fluctuations while ensuring a consistent supply of quality poultry. Many of our clients have been seeking to understand the reasons behind recent price changes. Below, we offer a clear breakdown of the key drivers—and what to expect in the weeks ahead.
After what felt like a long winter, the recent spell of unseasonably warm weather has led to a notable rise in poultry consumption—both in the UK and across continental Europe. Barbecue season arrived early, boosting sales for everything from wings to drumsticks. In the UK, Easter coincided with school holidays and the return of many seasonal festivals, all of which increase consumer demand.
Meanwhile, across the EU, Easter gatherings have further added to the pressure on poultry supply. In Poland—a key supplier to the UK and a country with deeply rooted Catholic traditions—Easter is among the most significant holidays of the year. Celebrations such as the blessing of Easter baskets (święconka) and Resurrection Mass are widely observed, and Easter meals often involve poultry, contributing to heightened local demand.
When both domestic and European markets simultaneously ramp up orders, competition for available stock intensifies, and prices rise.
While seasonal surges are predictable to some extent, the combination of good weather, Easter celebrations, and existing market strains has created an unusually sharp price spike. The good news: as festivities pass and conditions return to normal, this demand-driven pressure is expected to ease—provided no new disruptions emerge.
Bird Flu Disruptions in Europe
A second major factor comes from the supply side: avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks across Europe. Two of the UK’s key poultry suppliers—Poland and Belgium—have recently faced outbreaks of high pathogenic avian influenza. Authorities responded with strict biosecurity protocols, quarantine zones, and large-scale flock culls.
These necessary measures have had two main effects:
While governments and producers are working hard to control the spread, the disruptions are already being felt across supply chains. It will take time for new, healthy flocks to replenish the market, and until then, we anticipate continued tightness in supply and a degree of price volatility.
The European Commission is currently developing emergency measures to support poultry producers in Poland. Read more here.
Global Economic and Currency Pressures
Beyond seasonal demand and disease outbreaks, broader economic forces are continuing to apply upward pressure on poultry prices.
A key emerging driver is the global shift toward protectionist trade policies—a trend gaining fresh momentum under Trump 2.0. The recent announcements of new tariffs have reignited trade tensions, creating uncertainty in global commodity markets. This has directly affected feed grains such as soybeans and corn—essential inputs in poultry production—driving up costs for producers worldwide.
In the UK, these global dynamics are compounded by currency fluctuations. The pound has weakened against the euro in recent weeks, moving from €1.20 to around €1.15 per £1.00. That 4–5% shift may seem small, but for euro-denominated imports, it equates to an increase of up to 25p per kg on some products. This exchange rate impact is a genuine and immediate pressure on poultry pricing—and a key reason suppliers are raising prices.
S.R Davis Commitment
We know price fluctuations and occasional shortages put pressure on your business. At S.R Davis, we take a proactive, transparent approach to managing risk and keeping your business running smoothly:
Diversified Supply: We actively manage our supplier base to avoid reliance on any single region or producer. You may occasionally see different brands or packaging on your deliveries—this flexibility allows us to keep products moving and avoid deeper price shocks.
Market Monitoring: We track global and local developments daily—from bird flu outbreaks and weather patterns to exchange rates and shipping costs—so we can react early and advise you accordingly.
Stock Buffering: Where feasible, we build up inventory during calmer periods. These reserves help us maintain supply and ease pressure during volatile weeks.
Clear Communication: We believe our customers deserve to understand not just what is happening with prices—but why. That’s why we’re always available to explain market movements and what they mean for your orders.
We know pricing is one of the most sensitive aspects of your relationship with any supplier. That’s why we’ve built our pricing model around fairness, consistency, and real-time responsiveness.
Our cloud-based pricing system gives customers real-time visibility into product pricing, so you can see changes as they happen—whether that’s a small rise or a drop. With us, you’ll notice smaller, incremental adjustments, not sudden spikes. When our costs drop, your prices drop too. This model, introduced with our shift to online ordering, remains core to how we do business.
In a fast-moving market, we move with it. If you'd like to discuss pricing, product availability, or future planning, please don't hesitate to speak with us.