21 June 2022

4 minute read

Europe

VIV Europe successfully closed its 2022 edition after three days of networking, face-to-face business, knowledge sharing and a buzzing floor ground at Jaarbeurs Utrecht, event organisers said in a press release. The show welcomed 19,024 visitors from 142 countries this year. With this stable amount of visitors, VIV Europe even managed to slightly increase its numbers of the previous edition.

Western Europe counted for the 68% of the show audience, followed by Middle East and Africa with 14%, Eastern Europe 10%, Asia 4% and rest of the world with another 4%. Despite the lower attendance from Asian countries, with travels from China and other Southeast Asian countries still affected by Covid quarantine restrictions, the overall international appeal of this World Expo from Feed to Food confirmed its relevance once again. Another milestone in the VIV worldwide series of event around the globe.

Some 435 exhibitors from 44 countries participated in the show. Additionally, the co-location with VICTAM International brought around 150 exhibitors in halls 1 and 2. Together, VIV and VICTAM showcased the Feed to Food industry under one roof. The animal protein sector responded to such a powerful platform with a high attendance, despite the current economic situation which is particularly challenging the feed sector in Europe.

Sustainability and circular concepts: Innovations to future-proof animal production

VIV Europe focused its attention on better farming in this latest edition of the trade event.

For the first time, the Dutch minister of agriculture visited VIV Europe with an important visit on the second day. Henk Staghouwer explored with interest the new concepts displayed at the Welcome hall. 

“VIV Europe is a showroom for leading technology for the livestock sector," he said. "In this Inspiration Hall, HubOrange demonstrates how Dutch businesses are involved in innovation, focused on sustainability, climate and short chains. I can only be impressed by that. With my background in business, I was fascinated to see how companies tap into new creativity. What appears rather alternative and local today, may well be part of the global mainstream in a few years' time.”

Many sector leaders launched their latest developments at VIV Europe. Many of the innovations were focused on poultry production. Innovations included: safe and effective in-ovo vaccination and nutrition; disease control programs and effective broilers house cleaning and disinfection; circular chain concept making egg production a co-creation project that brings sustainability to the tables; climate control systems for all weather conditions with minimal energy use and superior air quality; and new farming approaches to drastically reduce the need for antibiotics while increasing animal health and sustainability.

Among the knowledge programs, a remarkable Feed Congress that took place the day before the show brought key speakers that explored how European animal feed industry and its additive suppliers strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness through high-quality production. Another big highlight was the full conference room that presented the opportunities of using insects for feed as a real trend in Europe. Not only poultry, the Dairy farmers also gathered on second show day to celebrate the World Milk Day, while the aquaculture world attended a technical program on feed-extrusion technology.

Last but not least, the second Poultry Marketing Round Table was successfully held at VIV Europe with four groups of discussion exploring the after-crisis management and perspectives.

“In a world which is vulnerable, the entire feed to food industry has shown resilience by gathering for the first time LIVE in Europe," said senior project manager Renate Wiendels. "It is not only a true pleasure to reunite buyers and suppliers again in our hometown Utrecht, but is also crucial to have conversations about the many topics that the animal husbandry industry needs to tackle to have a secure future."

"Crises like the pandemic have reshaped industries and our event industry is no exception," she continued. "We are pleased that we can continue to support exhibitors with our onsite and new online platforms which ensure professional and profitable business in a pleasant atmosphere.”

The show organizing team, its partners, including around 50 industry media titles and the exhibitors, are grateful to everyone who visited this event in the Netherlands. The full show report will be available by end of the month on the official website.