Poultry industry forecast to reach $106 billion by 2021

The poultry industry is forecast to reach a value of $106 billion by 2021, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2016 to 2021.

The egg production segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment of the poultry industry, with a CAGR of 5.1% from 2016 to 2021. The broiler meat segment is expected to be the largest segment of the poultry industry, with a market share of 34.5% in 2021.

Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region for the poultry industry, with a CAGR of 5.4% from 2016 to 2021. China is expected to be the largest market for poultry products in Asia Pacific, with a market share of 45.9% in 2021.

The United States is expected to be the largest consumer of poultry products in the world, with a market share of 24.5% in 2021. The European Union is expected to be the second-largest consumer of poultry products in the world, with a market share of 22.9% in 2021.

Chicken consumption reaches all-time high in the U.S.3. KFC switches to vegetarian animal-based chicken nuggets

Eating chicken is on the rise in the United States, with chicken consumption reaching an all-time high in 2017. This is driven in part by a shift toward plant-based meat substitutes, as well as a demand for organic and antibiotic-free chicken. KFC, the world's largest fried chicken chain, has announced that it will switch to using vegetarian animal-based nuggets at all of its U.S. locations.

The decision to offer a vegetarian nugget alternative was made in response to growing consumer demand for plant-based protein options. KFC spokesperson Laurie Schalow stated that "in addition to our traditional menu items, we're always looking for new ways to offer delicious choices that meet the needs of our customers." The vegetarian nuggets will be made from an blend of soy and wheat proteins, and will be available in four flavors: Original Recipe, Hot & Spicy, Lemon Pepper, and Honey BBQ.

KFC is not the only fast food chain to begin offering vegetarian alternatives in response to consumer demand. In March of 2018, Burger King began offering a vegan version of its flagship Whopper burger at all of its U.S. locations. The vegan Whopper is made from a patty that is composed of 20% wheat protein, potato protein, and vegetable oils. It is topped with tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, and condiments, and served on a sesame seed bun.

The trend toward vegetarianism is not limited to fast food chains; restaurants of all types are beginning to offer plant-based menu items. In Los Angeles, for example, the popular breakfast chain Eggslut offers vegan tofu scramble as an option for breakfast burritos and sandwiches. The scramble is made with organic tofu, turmeric, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin seeds, and fresh herbs.

The shift away from meat consumption has been attributed to a number of factors including health concerns over the negative impacts of meat production on the environment , animal welfare issues , and human health . According to a report by MarketsandMarkets , the global plant-based meat market is projected to reach $5.2 billion by 2025 .

4. Perdue Foods unveils new antibiotic-free chicken products

Both Perdue's Harvestland and Coleman natural chicken lines are now completely antibiotic-free.

The company has been making the changeover to antibiotic-free birds over the past year, and it has finally reached its goal. The line includes whole birds, cut-ups, legs, thighs, drumsticks, and boneless breasts.

The difficulty in ridding chickens of antibiotics is that the animals often become sick without them. So Perdue has turned to organic feed and better hygiene to keep its birds healthy. It has also set up a program called "FarmKind" to help farmers learn how to raise antibiotic-free chickens.

Perdue is not the only company turning away from using antibiotics in its chickens. Tyson Foods announced last year that it would stop using antibiotics in all of its chicken products by September 2017. And McDonald's said in March that it will only source chicken raised without antibiotics within two years.

5. Tyson Foods announces plans to reduce use of antibiotics in poultry

In an effort to reduce the use of antibiotics in poultry, Tyson Foods has announced plans to eliminate the use of human antibiotics from its hatcheries by September 2017.

The company also plans to reduce the overall use of antibiotics by 20% by December 2017.

According to Reuters, this move is being made in response to concerns about antibiotic resistance and public health.

Tyson Foods is one of the world's largest producers of poultry, beef, and pork. It has more than 115,000 employees and ships its products to more than 120 countries.