What is poultry processing?

Poultry processing involves various steps to convert live chickens and other poultry into meat products for consumption. This process typically involves slaughter, de-feathering, evisceration (removal of internal organs), chilling and deboning. Poultry processing is a critical component of the global food system and plays an important role in satisfying the growing demand for protein around the world. Below is an overview of each of the poultry processing steps:

Slaughtering

The first step in poultry processing involves killing the birds, usually by stunning and bleeding. The process is typically performed at high speed and humanely to minimise the birds’ stress and suffering. MRMK’s precision-ground bevelled circular slicer ensures cleaner cuts and better edge retention.

De-feathering

After slaughter, the feathers are removed from the birds. This can be done manually or using mechanical plucking machines.

Evisceration

The legs, necks, and gizzards of poultry are separated, the internal organs are taken out, and the birds are cleaned and cooled down. With the rise of automation, the manual processing of hand-held knives on tables is quickly being replaced by machine-based evisceration, which employs vent cutters and other specialized blades directly installed on the processing line.

Chilling

The birds are then chilled to reduce the temperature and prevent spoilage. This is typically done in a refrigerated room, where the birds are placed on racks and the air is circulated over them.

Deboning

The final step in poultry processing is deboning, where the meat is separated from the bones and processed into various cuts, such as breasts, legs, wings, and drumsticks. Poultry is weighed and classified through a combination of automated weighing systems and human inspection. The meat is then chosen for various end-use products, ranging from whole birds to processed meats.

MRMK provides poultry processing blades that are designed for specific tasks on the processing line, such as deboning knives for breasts, legs, and wings. Additionally, MRMK offers a selection of blades with serrated and notched edges for separating bones and tougher tissues.

What value do poultry processing machine knives have to offer the poultry industry?

Poultry processing machine knives are high-end tools that play a crucial role in the poultry processing industry. They are designed and manufactured to meet the demanding requirements of this fast-paced, high-volume industry, providing precise, reliable, and efficient cuts. On average, a poultry processing facility may process tens of thousands of chickens per day, but this can range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand birds depending on the facility. It’s therefore key that the facilities use high-end machine knives to ensure the poultry products are of the highest quality, with consistent cuts that meet the stringent safety and hygiene standards.

MRMK stainless steel machine knives are made to the highest of qualities available on the market. We ensure each and every product produced provides durability and longevity.

Additionally, these knives are made with durable materials that can withstand the rigours of high-speed processing, providing long-lasting performance and reducing the need for frequent replacements. As a result, the poultry processing industry can maximise productivity and efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards.

What’s next in the poultry processing market?

The increasing demand for poultry meat, driven by its affordability and perceived health benefits, is a key driver of growth in the market. Poultry processing companies are also adopting new technologies, such as automation and digitalisation, to increase efficiency and reduce costs. This includes the use of robots for various tasks, such as de-boning, packaging, and sorting. As technology advances and the use of robotics increases in automation, the demand for machine knives will continue to grow in parallel with the market trends.

Continuing food trends in 2023

Another trend in the poultry processing market that we’re expecting to see this year is the continuing demand for free-range and organic chicken products. Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about animal welfare and the environmental impact of industrial poultry farming. As a result, they are willing to pay a premium for products that are produced using more sustainable and ethical methods. In addition, companies are also investing in research and development to develop new and innovative products, such as plant-based chicken alternatives, to meet changing consumer preferences. Either way, both processes will drive higher demand for machine knives.

The global poultry market is also expected to grow in the coming years due to increasing urbanisation and population growth in developing countries, such as China and India. The increasing disposable income of consumers in these countries is expected to drive demand for poultry products, as people switch from traditional staple foods to more protein-rich diets.

Overall, the poultry processing market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for poultry products, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. Companies operating in the market will need to stay abreast of these trends and adapt to the evolving needs of consumers to remain competitive.

Prepare for the 2023 poultry processing trend with machine knives from MRMK

When it comes to efficiently processing poultry and mitigating waste, your facility demands a blade that will hold its edge and prevent premature line shutdown. We craft our knives from industrial-strength stainless steel that’s laser-cut, heat-treated, and precision ground. We’ve made it our mission to transform the way machine blades are designed, manufactured and sold. We set out to produce the best machine knives available on the market and you can rely on us for that. To this day we are striving forward as the UK’s market leader in industrial machine knife manufacturing. We can supply your food processing operations with blades that’ll maximise production uptime, and deliver accurate cuts that reduce waste and more.

Stay ahead of your competition and demand as the poultry industry rises. Speak to our team today to find out how we can help you deliver efficiency time after time.

Explore MRMK’s range of machine blades for the poultry industry now

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