A webinar hosted by Fairplay on Thursday indicated that South Africa's poultry exports have not improved in recent years, with exports lower in 2025 than in 2019.
South Africa's poultry industry is intensifying efforts to secure new export markets as producers seek to unlock growth beyond a stagnant domestic market, with industry leaders arguing that the sector has developed the capacity and competitiveness needed to become a significant global exporter.
The call emerged during a webinar hosted by FairPlay on Thursday, where industry representatives highlighted the gap between the poultry sector's growing production capabilities and its limited export performance.
According to FairPlay founder Francois Baird, South Africa's poultry exports have shown little progress over the past six years, with export volumes in 2025 remaining below levels recorded in 2019.
Francois Baird, founder of FairPlay, argued that global poultry markets remain heavily influenced by government support measures, particularly in major exporting nations, creating challenges for countries seeking to expand their international market share.
