Packaging

Poultry packaging protects the product from contamination, damage and moisture loss. It can also extend the shelf-life of the product, improve product presentation and consumer appeal. Packaging methods, are discussed in more detail in Chapter 3.

Refrigeration

The primary aim of meat refrigeration is protection against spoilage by micro-organisms. Refrigeration also gives a measure of protection against other forms of meat deterioration such as fat oxidation. Refrigeration is of great importance both during and after poultry processing. This is explained in greater detail in Chapter 3.

Transport to market

Transport of the processed carcasses, parts or products is usually by refrigerated truck. However, where refrigeration is not available the product may be processed at a time when they may be easily sold at market quickly or to coincide with a festival or celebration. In this case transport may be an unrefrigerated truck or motor vehicle, horse & cart, bicycle or even by man on foot.

Display & sales

Poultry products are displayed in several different ways. Whole carcasses are often displayed unrefrigerated at market in the open hung by their legs or on a stall or shop display, particularly in the developing world. This is not to be recommended. Refrigerated products are displayed in shops and other retail units unpackaged or over-wrapped on plastic trays. In some are as meat is sometimes sold from mobile refrigerated shops. Products are usually exchanged for cash at the point of sale. However, poultry producers may have contracts with poultry processing enterprises, local hotels or restaurants where a lump sum payment is made. In developing countries small scale producers may sell by bartering for other consumable items.

Customer use

Poultry is one of the most widely accepted meat foods in the world and is not subject to any religious restriction. Consumers recognise poultry as a relatively cheap protein source. In developing regions, poultry meat may be seen as food for a special occasion, but figures indicate poultry meat consumption is increasing in these regions. Poultry may be reared and killed in time for a celebration or special event. In some regions turkeys and geese are reared for thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, although successful marketing has made it a popular choice at other times of the year. Chilled and frozen carcases or parts can be stored for longer periods and use becomes more convenient and regular. Some regions of the world have a preference to particular type of poultry; for example, in Asia, ducks are most popular. The type and use of food products made from poultry meat is also increasing throughout the world. These include roasts & rolls, turkey ham, smoked turkey and stuffed breast portions such as chicken Kiev. Changing lifestyles have brought about an increase in the number and type of poultry fast food products. In the developed world the number of women in the workforce has increased and home cooking from basics has been greatly reduced. Products such as fried chicken and chicken nuggets are sold by fast food franchises, particularly in N. America, Europe and Asia. In Japan yaki-tori is a very popular fast food product consisting of grilled chicken cubes on a skewer with yaki-tori sauce. A visit to the large towns and cities of the developing world will demonstrate that these products are transferring quickly.