Aviagen’s investment in a local production base in East Africa heightens their presence and support in the distribution and secure supply of Parent Stock within the African continent

EDINBURGH, Scotland. – Aviagen^® is expanding its local reach and global footprint within Africa by establishing “Aviagen East Africa Limited.”

Aviagen East Africa Ltd is a joint venture company between Aviagen, African Poultry Development Limited (APDL) and Country Bird Holdings Limited (CBH). Aviagen East Africa Limited will consist of a greenfield project where we will build new Grandparent (GP) farms and a Parent Stock (PS) hatchery in Tanzania. This will enable Aviagen East Africa to supply high quality breeding stock to both our current and future customers in this important and expanding territory.

The potential for increasing poultry production and consumption in East Africa is immense and this investment will aid in this increase. Tanzania was a prime, strategic choice for this development and we are pleased to be present there. It is perfectly placed geographically, and the environment is ideal for poultry production – whilst the conduciveness of a developing business environment was also a deciding factor – for which we would like to express thanks to the Tanzanian Government.

The investment in new facilities will ensure security of supply to all Aviagen’s customers in the region. Being closer to our PS customers will allow Aviagen to deliver chicks by truck, and therefore, there will be a significant reduction in logistical times. This will play a major role in achieving our sustainability goals and enhancing our welfare standards.

Our local teams will provide additional support to our PS customers and will work closely with Aviagen’s network of global specialists, to enable us to deliver the best possible customer service to the Eastern Africa region.

Both Tanbreed and CBH share the same mind set as Aviagen in ensuring the continent of Africa is provided with a sustainable source of protein for the foreseeable future, and also to provide a number of employment opportunities for the local population. Both companies have already shown a great commitment to the Sub-Saharan Africa region, and will continue to do so with this new investment.

Population growth and macroeconomic improvements are driving the demand for chicken meat. It is important for Aviagen to supply and service their customers from a local production base and be able to provide a secure food supply.

Expanding global footprint and enhancing supply and customer service with local production hub

Aviagen is continuously investing in R&D and technology to ensure it continues to deliver outstanding performance in the future. All Aviagen brands are performing exceptionally well at both Broiler and PS level. Our branded PS and Broiler Clubs are welcoming more and more companies from the Sub Sahara region which shows that outstanding results are achievable in all regions of the world.

“The continent of Africa is very dynamic, diverse and is continuously growing. Aviagen is the world’s leading poultry breeding company and with the establishment of this new operation in East Africa, we are expanding our presence and our footprint in the region. The population of Africa is increasing each year and this regional production base means we can provide local employment opportunities for people who understand the local business requirements and speak the local language, but most importantly, we can continue to feed the world and provide a sustainable source of protein,” commented Tom Exley, President, Turkey, Middle East and Africa (TMEA).

Jack Searle, Managing Director of CBH Africa operations expressed his excitement for this new venture, “We have been working with Aviagen for over 25 years and already have a successful history in developing PS markets in Africa. This is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to working alongside APDL and Aviagen to further develop the East Africa region together.”

“We have always had a good relationship with Aviagen and have been working with them for a number of years, and we are really excited about this new project with Aviagen and CBH. We believe that this investment will be of huge benefit to the poultry industry in the region, as this allows us to further enhance the supply chain and ensure we are fulfilling the growing demands for poultry meat within Africa,” commented Alan McKittrick, Executive Chairman of APDL.

About Country Bird Holdings

Country Bird Holdings (CBH) is one of the largest poultry and animal feed producers in Africa. CBH was established in South Africa in 2003 and has operations in several countries including Nigeria, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The company has more than 5,000 employees and provides customers with a complete range of services to cover all aspects of this industry, including breeders, broilers, eggs, hatcheries, feed, distribution and logistics.

About APDL Ltd

APDL Ltd is the holding company that comprises of Interchick Ltd and Tanbreed Poultry Ltd in Tanzania, Kenchic Ltd in Kenya, Kenchic Uganda Ltd in Uganda, and Hybrid Poultry Farms Ltd in Zambia. Serving and supplying customers with breeders, day-old chicks, processed chicken, feed and customer service, APDL represents the largest group of integrated poultry companies in Zambia, East and Central Africa. APDL has the strongest commitment to the development of the poultry industry in their regions, having been instrumental in its growth and expansion over the last 50 years.