Ethio Poultry Expo Ethiopex is back to catch insightful sector developments

The show will attract global players, key local stakeholders, and professionals in the sector who value the power of learning, networking, and business. 

According to a latest report from Rabobank, demand for poultry is strong, with most countries open after adopting ‘living with Covid’ strategies. This is pushing up poultry demand, while global pressure on spending power and high food prices are also leading consumers toward the lowest-priced meat protein: poultry.

The biggest challenge for the industry is on the operational side. Feed and energy prices are higher than they have been in many years and are expected to stay high into 2023. In addition to lingering Covid-19 impacts, the industry currently faces one of the highest-pressure avian influenza (AI) seasons in history. The Ukraine crisis directly affects global feed commodity, energy, and fertiliser prices, further challenging industry operations in the second half of 2022. 

Poultry feed is made up of 65-70% maize, 25-30% soybean, 3% premix (vitamins and minerals), and other ingredients such as limestone, wheat bran, and other protein cakes. Feed costs account for 70% of poultry production, and these prices are determined by the cost of the necessary raw materials.

According to a recent study, 100 kg of poultry feed has gone from around Br.1100 in April 2021 to about Br. 5000 in April 2022, an astounding fourfold rise. This among other minor reasons has resulted in over 15 poultry farms halting their operations, according to the Ethiopian Poultry Producer and Processors Association (EPPPA). Furthermore, the rise in feed prices has pushed up the cost of eggs and chickens. During Easter 2022, the price of chicken increased by 82% over the previous year, while egg prices increased by 50%.

These and more such dynamic turn of events await closer observations and discussions at Ethiopex 23.