Manila, Philippines

VIV Europe 2026 is set to be a landmark event as it celebrates its 25th Edition and reinforces its position as one of the most influential agrifood exhibitions in the world.

Backed by strong international partnerships and near sell out momentum, the event returns to where the VIV Worldwide journey first began, bringing together the global feed to food community at a crucial moment for the industry.

Organised by Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs and VNU Europe, the 2026 edition not only honours VIV Europe’s rich legacy but also signals a forward looking strategy. The organisers have confirmed that from 2028 onwards, VIV Europe will move to a two year cycle, with the next edition scheduled for June 2028. This shift aims to provide greater continuity, consistency and long term value for exhibitors and visitors alike.

“VIV Europe is evolving with the strength, consistency and international depth that the industry has been asking for,” said Jeroen van Hooff, President and CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs and VNU. “Europe needs a reliable and forward-looking agrifood platform to connect strategy, technology and business. VIV Europe 2026 will meet that need and the new two-year rhythm from this year on will provide in the epicenter of Europe, the continuity and momentum that our exhibitors, partners and global community deserve.”

The anniversary edition will welcome around 600 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations, technologies and machinery across the agrifood value chain. An estimated 20,000 international visitors are expected in Utrecht, one of the world’s leading hubs for agricultural innovation. The programme will be supported by major partners including Rabobank, Wageningen University, the World Poultry Science Association and Common Source, alongside a full week of industry focused activities under the banner of VIV Week.

Poland has been named Country of Honor for 2026, reflecting its status as the leading poultry producer in the European Union and a rapidly growing exporter. Special sessions, delegations and matchmaking activities will spotlight Poland’s dynamic role in animal protein production.

With more than 97 percent of exhibition space already sold, VIV Europe 2026 clearly demonstrates strong market confidence. As Europe’s agrifood sector faces rapid technological change, sustainability demands and global competition, VIV Europe stands out as a vital platform connecting innovation, trade and real business opportunity.

A groundbreaking UCL study reveals a paradox at the heart of global agriculture: whilst antimicrobial use in livestock has plummeted by nearly a third since 2013, wealthy nations are quietly shifting the burden overseas through strategic imports.

The research, published in Nature Sustainability, tracked antimicrobial consumption patterns across a decade, painting the most comprehensive picture yet of how these critical medicines flow through our interconnected food systems. The findings tell two contrasting stories about progress and persistent problems.

Global antimicrobial usage peaked dramatically at 118,600 tonnes in 2013 before dropping to 84,000 tonnes by 2020. This remarkable decline accelerated following the landmark 2016 UN meeting on antimicrobial resistance, which catalysed stricter regulations across numerous countries. Per capita consumption fell from 15.6 grams to 10.6 grams during this period.

China and the United States, commanding roughly 60% of worldwide usage, drove this positive shift with reductions of 29% and 28% respectively. These numbers represent genuine progress in combating a threat that currently claims 700,000 lives annually through drug resistant bacteria.

However, beneath these encouraging statistics lies a troubling pattern. Developed nations have effectively exported their antimicrobial footprint by importing products from emerging economies where livestock farming practices remain antimicrobial intensive. Between 2010 and 2020, internationally traded goods' share of antimicrobial use climbed from 16% to 20%.

Perhaps most surprising: half this footprint stems from non food products like clothing, chemicals, and electronics containing animal derived materials. Meanwhile, nations like India and Indonesia face rising antimicrobial consumption, partly fuelled by export demands. India's footprint expanded by 16% across the decade.

"The overuse of antimicrobials in livestock is a serious health concern, posing a potential global health threat. The decline in use in recent years is promising, and shows that government regulation and intervention can be effective. Our research can help inform future guidance for their usage," said Heran Zheng (UCL Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction).

This study underscores a critical reality: reducing antimicrobial resistance requires coordinated global action, not just shifting production to countries with looser regulations. True progress means addressing consumption patterns and supporting sustainable farming practices worldwide.

Swedfund has committed US$15mn to Phatisa Food Fund 3, a private equity fund focused on established businesses operating across the food value chain in several African countries.

The investment is designed to strengthen food security, support the creation of decent jobs, and help build more resilient and sustainable food systems across the region.

Food systems in Africa are facing growing pressure from rapid population growth, climate related challenges, and fragmented supply chains. These factors continue to limit access to affordable and nutritious food while placing strain on producers, processors, and distributors. Improving how food is produced, processed, and delivered is increasingly important to ensure food availability while supporting livelihoods and long term economic stability.

Phatisa Food Fund 3 plans to invest in companies that are looking to scale their operations or transition ownership. Drawing on Phatisa’s long standing experience in the food and agriculture sector, the fund is expected to support businesses with the potential to increase production capacity, improve operational efficiency, and create more stable employment opportunities. These investments are aimed at strengthening local and regional markets while encouraging sustainable business practices.

Sebastian Süllmann, Investment Manager for Food Systems at Swedfund, said, “Strengthening food systems is essential for inclusive and resilient growth across African markets. Through this investment, we help channel long-term capital to companies that can expand production, support decent jobs, and improve access to affordable and nutritious food. The investment also contributes to deeper value chain integration, supporting more stable and sustainable livelihoods over time.”

Swedfund’s contribution forms part of an US$86mn first close for the fund, alongside other development finance institutions including BII, Norfund, IFC, and FinDev Canada. Together, these partners aim to mobilise long term capital to support food system transformation and economic development across Africa.

New Holland tractors are set to play a bigger role in transforming agriculture in Kenya following a new partnership between Inchcape and NCBA Group, one of East Africa’s leading financial institutions.

The collaboration focuses on making New Holland’s modern tractor range more accessible to farmers through a flexible and affordable financing solution designed around real farming needs.

The initiative enables farmers to acquire New Holland tractors with financing of up to 95 percent of the purchase value, making advanced machinery attainable for both small and large scale operations. Repayment periods can extend up to 60 months, with options structured to suit farming cash flows. Farmers can choose monthly or seasonal repayments aligned with harvest cycles, helping them manage costs without disrupting day to day operations. The financing package also includes cover for up to two farm implements, allowing farmers to fully utilise the capabilities of their New Holland equipment. To further support customers, each financed tractor comes with one year of free insurance through NCBA Bancassurance, offering reassurance throughout the loan term.

New Holland tractors are known for their durability, efficiency and suitability for a wide range of farming applications, from land preparation to harvesting support. By pairing these machines with tailored financial solutions, the partnership aims to improve farm productivity while reducing the operational strain often associated with equipment investment.

Marion Gathoga Mwangi, Managing Director of Inchcape Kenya, said, “Through this collaboration, we are not just offering financing; we are driving mechanisation, which remains a key pillar in increasing agricultural productivity and efficiency. When farmers have access to modern, reliable machines, their yields rise, their costs reduce, and their work becomes more rewarding.”

NCBA Group also emphasised the importance of aligning finance with the realities of farming. Lennox Mugambi, Group Director of NCBA Asset Finance and Business Solutions, added, “This partnership with Inchcape Kenya marks a major step in our mission. We aim to support farmers by providing accessible and flexible finance. By matching repayment schedules to the realities of farming, we remove barriers that have held back mechanization. We believe this will empower farmers to boost productivity and improve their livelihoods across Kenya.”

The programme brings Inchcape’s Accelerate+ strategy to life by combining high quality New Holland products with value added services such as financing and insurance. By improving access to trusted machinery, the initiative supports sustainable agricultural growth and creates long term benefits for farming communities across Kenya.