June 5, 2017 (OTTAWA)— Canadians each consumed 32.5 kg (per capita) of chicken in 2016 resulting in the highest level of chicken consumption in Canada ever.

This confirms that chicken is the favourite of Canadian grocery shoppers and continues to be an important part of the nutritious meals they feed to their families. Chicken has been the first choice of Canadians for over a decade, when chicken per capita (per person) consumption passed beef for first place, and it has remained in first place ever since.

“Chicken is number one for Canadians who want a healthy and nutritious choice for themselves and their families,” said Benoît Fontaine, Chair of Chicken Farmers of Canada. “Our farmers are proud to raise high-quality, nutritious chicken for Canadians. We have been doing this for generations and it’s good to know that our hard work is recognized.”

2016 was one of the most successful years ever for the chicken industry, with production increasing by 4% to a total of 1.148 billion kg of fresh, nutritious Canadian chicken for consumers.

Trust is a big reason behind the ongoing success of the Canadian chicken industry.

In a recent survey, 93% of Canadians said they prefer to feed their families food raised by Canadian farmers—that support is behind the new “Raised by a Canadian Farmer” brand logo. Now Canadians can have confidence in knowing where their food comes from by looking for the brand—and trust that it was raised safely by a Canadian farmer.

“We have a responsibility to our consumers, to keep their food safe, to protect them, and to humanely and carefully raise the animals we grow,” added Fontaine. “Canadian chicken farms are run by hardworking men and women and the birds are being raised to the highest standards for food safety and animal care.”

Canadian chicken farmers work hard each day to provide the best possible care for their birds, and to ensure their health and welfare. Canadian consumers have high expectations of their farmers, from the assurance of a steady supply to ensuring excellence and best practices in animal care and food safety. Canada’s chicken farmers are proud to deliver on these expectations, with every flock.

Chicken Farmers of Canada is responsible for ensuring that our 2,800 farmers produce the right amount of fresh, safe, high-quality chicken and that our farmer’s views are taken into account when important agriculture and policy decisions are made.

www.chicken.ca | www.chickenfarmers.ca

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For more information:
Marty Brett, Senior Corporate Communications Officer
(613) 566-5926
mbrett@chicken.ca