Poultry group Quantum's profits crash, and it sees another tough year ahead for the industry

Poultry group Quantum Foods has opted to hold on to its final dividend after its profits crashed by three quarters, with SA's largest egg producer expecting another tough year in 2023, having recently taken severe hits including from avian influenza, an ugly and costly labour dispute, as well as load shedding.

While difficult to accurately predict, the industry looks set to struggle to pass on costs to consumers over the next few months, CEO Hennie Lourens said on Friday. Signs of severe strain include the phone calls Quantum has received from farmers looking to sell their businesses, he said.