By: Erick Erickson, U.S. Grains Council director of Global Strategies

Strong consumer demand and unrelenting competition define the poultry industry in North Africa and the Middle East. Last week, industry leaders from 65 poultry companies from the region attended a conference hosted by Elanco Animal Health where I had the pleasure of presenting a global grain outlook.

These professionals understand the international business climate as well as their own markets. The two-day conference included presentations on the global grain outlook, branding and differentiation, prospects for the future, and advanced data analysis to improve company efficiency.

Even in markets where most poultry is sold live, companies are working to brand themselves and differentiate the products and the services they provide. These leaders are keenly aware of the power of consumer preferences, and are eager to learn from one another.

The most immediate question for this group was the price outlook for feed ingredients, in particular corn and soybean meal. The U.S. Grains Council has been working in this region to increase U.S. coarse grain and co-products imports free of trade barriers.