IPPE Brings Together Poultry, Feed Representatives

Members of the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) Middle East/Africa (MEA) and Latin America offices were in Atlanta, Georgia, this week to attend the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) before the MEA team traveled east to visit the Port of Savannah.

IPPE is the world’s largest annual poultry, meat and feed industry event of its kind. The event displays technology, equipment, supplies and services used in the production and processing of eggs, meat and poultry. With representatives from industries including feed milling, hatchery, live production, processing, further processing, marketing and other support activities, IPPE is a one-stop-shop for all things production and processing.

A team of feed millers from North and West Africa joined the Council’s MEA staffers for the conference where they had the opportunity to meet with U.S. producers, suppliers and exporters of U.S. grains. Attendees were also able to participate in educational seminars and workshops at the expo while learning about new technologies in the industry during TechTalk programs.

The Council’s Latin America staff also hosted a reception for expo attendees coming from their region, allowing for industry representatives to mingle and build relationships in a casual setting.

“After more than a year of travel restrictions and considering the relevance of this event for the poultry and feed producers in the region, being here provided the Council with an opportunity to reconnect with relevant end-users of feed grains and co-products that we hadn’t had the opportunity to see in person,” said Ana Maria Ballesteros, USGC marketing director for the Latin America region.

“It has also been a great opportunity to make additional contacts and build relationships with other players of these sectors in Latin America.”

Following the expo in Atlanta, the MEA group visited the Port of Savannah. There, guests witnessed the container loading system, increasing the team’s awareness of U.S. corn and corn co-product production, origination and transportation to and through U.S. export containerized channels.

Exposing buyers and end-users to the industry on the ground is a great way to increase awareness while also strengthening and forming relationships. By bringing the team of feed millers to the States this week, the Council is hopeful it will expand its influence and effectiveness in the Northern and Western Africa markets.

“The Council has the opportunity to build a close relationship with the main Senegalese and Ivory Coast feed industry and to support the growth of the poultry and feed sectors in West Africa,” said Mohamed Salah Bouthour, USGC marketing specialist for the Middle East and Africa.

“With an estimated 50 percent of the global growth in poultry demand over the next two decades in West Africa, the Council will continue working closely with feed and poultry industries across the region to provide the technical training and practical experience to sustain through both short- and long-term feed production challenges.”