Walking through the aisles of the International Production & Processing (IPPE) 2024 trade show – talking to people and observing – is a good way to gather information about what is going on in the poultry industry.
First, while attending the Latin American Poultry Summit, and after it, some people observed that attendance was lower than expected, maybe because it is too expensive. Yes, its price is higher than some other parallel events, but everybody forgets where that money goes – funding young poultry researchers at Latin American universities. This year awards were given to several young people from Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Brazil and Mexico, among others. Funds help support young researchers in the region through ALA, the Latin American Poultry Association. Let us continue with this!
The second thing that I would like to bring up is the very high attendance of Latin Americans to the trade show. I noticed it and heard many people comment on it. IPPE has always been a good meeting point for the regional poultry industry, together with OVUM, the Latin American Poultry Congress, which takes place every two years (this year it will be in Uruguay). It is a good sign for the industry, and we seem to be back to pre-pandemic numbers.
Intestinal integrity is my third observation. Many companies are focusing on intestinal health with their products, a good sign of the industry leaving behind antimicrobial growth promoters and enhancing the main immune system organ.
In fourth place comes the impression many had about last year’s poultry production in Latin America. Almost all came to the conclusion that there were mixed results in both broilers and layers, with the exception being maybe Brazil, with higher numbers.
Lastly, many told me how they all miss the big hospitality suites and parties that companies used to offer. Me too, I have to admit. Thinking about the good old times means that, yes, we are getting older! But such is life.
What do you think?
