Vitarich strengthens its foothold in the Philippines with Mindanao breeder farm deal. (Image credit: Vitarich corp.)

Philippine poultry giant Vitarich Corporation has taken a significant step forward in its growth ambitions, completing the USD 4.8 million buyout of Broilers Club Inc. (BCI), a breeder farm operation nestled in Davao del Sur, Mindanao.

The Definitive Agreement was signed on February 23, 2026, drawing the curtain on a deal that hands Vitarich full ownership of BCI's farm assets.

At the heart of the acquisition sits a 4.6 hectare plot of land in Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur, together with fully operational breeder farm facilities and equipment. BCI, which also trades under the name Southern Sunrise Agriventures, was founded back in 2018 with a focused remit of producing hatching eggs for poultry aggregators across the region.

The numbers speak for themselves. With BCI now firmly under its wing, Vitarich anticipates an 8% boost in breeder output, translating into a steadier and more dependable flow of broiler chicks to markets nationwide. Going forward, BCI will channel 100% of its day old chick production exclusively to Vitarich, with all earnings folded into the parent company's financial books.

The move is very much part of a bigger picture. Vitarich has been quietly but deliberately building a more resilient supply chain in response to growing poultry demand across the Philippines and wider Southeast Asia. Bringing BCI's operations in house not only tightens the company's grip on its production pipeline but also shields it from the kind of supply disruptions and feed cost pressures that have rattled the industry in recent years. Vertical integration, in short, is proving to be a smart play.

The transaction received full backing from Vitarich's board of directors, acting on the recommendation of its Organisational and Business Development Committee, signalling strong internal confidence in the strategy.

On the financial side, the US$4.8mn consideration was spread across share acquisition, loan reimbursements, land payments, and converted shareholder advances. An initial US$0.17mn was paid upfront as option money, US$ 2.38mn was settled at closing, and the remaining US$2.22mn will follow once share and land title transfers are completed.

Notably, the deal sat comfortably below the US$59.6mn threshold requiring Philippine Competition Commission scrutiny, allowing it to proceed without regulatory intervention.

Hong Kong Suspends Poultry Imports from Argentina and Japan Over Bird Flu Fears.

Hong Kong's food safety authorities have moved swiftly to halt poultry imports from specific regions in Argentina and Japan following confirmed outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza.

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS), operating under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, issued the suspension after receiving alerts from both the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The affected areas include Lobos Partido in Buenos Aires Province and Marcos Juarez Department in Córdoba Province in Argentina, alongside Hokkaido Prefecture in Japan.
The ban covers all poultry meat, related products, and poultry eggs arriving from these regions and came into force immediately.

Trade figures from the Census and Statistics Department paint a clear picture of just how significant these supply chains are. Hong Kong brought in roughly 2,080 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Argentina last year alone. From Japan, the figures were even more considerable, with approximately 2,390 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and nearly 298 million poultry eggs making their way into the city.

A CFS spokesman noted that "the CFS has contacted the Argentinian and Japanese authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation."

Consumers can expect authorities to keep a close watch as the situation develops.

Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide. (Image credit: VIV WORLD)

Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs | VNU Group has announced the appointment of Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide, marking an important step in strengthening the organisation’s global VIV agrifood portfolio.

The appointment comes at a significant moment as preparations intensify for VIV Europe, scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 June 2026 at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. The event will celebrate its 25th edition this year. At the same time, the organisation is also preparing for the launch of VIV Select India, which will be held from 22 to 24 April in New Delhi.

Natasha’s new position reflects the organisation’s growing international focus. Jeroen van Hooff, President and CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, said, "From the very start of her time at Jaarbeurs in 2025, Natasha has made a clear mark on the development of VIV Asia, where her international work experience and strategic vision contributed to growth, positioning and market connection. Her new role sets her up for the next step within the organisation and for further developing VIV as a globally leading B2B platform for the poultry and livestock sector."

As Vice President VIV Worldwide, Hall will oversee the entire global VIV portfolio across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East and Africa region. Her responsibilities include the international VIV trade shows as well as VIV Connect and the VIV Trade Forums. The role will focus on expanding the worldwide network of exhibitors, visitors and partners while also strengthening the global presence and unity of the VIV brand.

Hall brings extensive international experience to the role, having spent more than a decade working in the exhibition and events industry in Dubai. "I see VIV as a unique global platform that brings together the entire feed-to-food chain, and I consider that integrated approach to be an important differentiating strength," said Natasha.

Her appointment comes during a landmark year for VIV. VIV Europe 2026 will not only celebrate its 25th edition but will also introduce a shift to a biennial schedule from 2028. "VIV Europe has grown into a reliable and forward-looking platform where strategy, technology and business come together. The anniversary edition in June will once again bring hundreds of international exhibitors and thousands of professionals from the global feed-to-food chain to Utrecht — a recognised hub for agrifood innovation, science and sustainable chain development."

Aquaculture Philippines 2026 to Spotlight Innovation and Growth in the Fisheries Sector. (Image credit: Livestock Philippines)

Aquaculture Philippines will return from 27 to 29 June 2026 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, bringing together key players from across the aquaculture, fisheries, and seafood industries.

Held alongside Livestock Philippines, the event serves as a dedicated platform for advancing aquaculture nutrition, health, and production while encouraging meaningful dialogue across the full value chain, from farming and feed development to processing and distribution.

As a nation surrounded by vast waters, the Philippines holds a natural advantage in fisheries and aquaculture. The sector continues to play a vital role in food supply, employment, and rural livelihoods. According to the second quarter report of the Philippine Statistics Authority this year, aquaculture contributes 15.1 percent to the total value of production at 2018 constant prices. This steady contribution underlines the importance of strengthening the industry through innovation, knowledge exchange, and investment.

Aquaculture Philippines 2026 aims to support this progress by showcasing modern technologies, sustainable production methods, aquatic animal health solutions, feed advancements, and efficient processing systems. The exhibition will gather leading local, regional, and international suppliers, offering visitors direct access to products and expertise that can improve productivity and long term viability.

In addition to the exhibition floor, this year’s edition will host a conference session covering a range of current issues in fisheries and aquaculture. Industry experts and practitioners will discuss sector challenges, regulatory developments, market trends, and research findings that influence both domestic and global trade. The sessions are designed to encourage practical learning and open discussion among stakeholders.

By connecting suppliers, producers, processors, policymakers, and researchers under one roof, Aquaculture Philippines 2026 continues its mission to strengthen the country’s aquatic sector and support sustainable growth in the years ahead.