Frozen chicken seem to be in short supply in the Western Division.

Over the weekend supermarkets in Nadi were out of larger size Crest chicken.

Goodman Fielder CEO Shaun Joils says this is because more people are buying chicken these days.

“I wouldn’t say there is a shortage. I would say there is a high demand. Like a lot of things that is grown in Fiji – we need to grow more.”

Supermarkets say supply has dropped dramatically and it can’t be explained with just an uptake in demand.

“Demand for chicken has been greater then it has ever been. There are a number of reasons for that. So – again – this is an opportunity for our country, an opportunity for this company, an opportunity for other companies – we have heard in recent months one or two other poultry companies starting up – investing. That is good. That’s good for our sector. It’s good to have more investment. More competition!”

Priority is being given to the food service industry – while everyday buyers will have to manage with what’s on the shelf.