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."

IPEMA Poultry India receives exhibitor award at KIPF 2026. (Image credit: IPEMA)

IPEMA Poultry India celebrated a proud achievement at the 12th Kolkata International Poultry Fair 2026, where it was presented with the prestigious Exhibitor Award.

The recognition was conferred by the West Bengal Poultry Federation in association with the Animal Resources Development Department, Government of West Bengal. The honour acknowledged the association’s strong presence and meaningful contribution to the event.
The award was received by the IPEMA Poultry India team led by its President, Uday Singh Bayas, along with team members who have consistently worked to promote and strengthen the poultry sector. The moment marked an important milestone for the association and reflected the collective dedication behind its continued efforts to support the industry.

The recognition at the 12th Kolkata International Poultry Fair underlined the close partnership between IPEMA Poultry India and the West Bengal Poultry Federation. It also highlighted the value of cooperation among industry organisations that share a common aim of advancing India’s poultry sector. Such collaboration plays a vital role in building a stronger and more competitive industry capable of meeting both domestic and international demand.

Events like the Kolkata International Poultry Fair provide an important meeting ground for farmers, producers, technology providers and industry leaders. They encourage dialogue, showcase new ideas and offer insight into the latest developments in poultry farming, feed management, equipment and sustainable practices. The award reflects IPEMA Poultry India’s active engagement in these conversations and its commitment to driving progress.

Looking ahead, the association remains focused on encouraging innovation, supporting knowledge exchange and strengthening relationships across the poultry value chain. This recognition serves as motivation to deepen partnerships with regional and national bodies while continuing to promote responsible and sustainable growth.

The Exhibitor Award stands as a reminder of the trust and shared vision that guide the industry forward. With continued collaboration and commitment, IPEMA Poultry India aims to further enhance India’s position in the global poultry landscape while supporting the long term development of the sector at home.

Broiler chicken prices climb above government benchmarks

Broiler chicken prices in several parts of Indonesia have risen as Ramadan 1447 Hijri approaches, with some traditional markets reporting figures above the government’s Reference Purchase Price and Highest Retail Price of US$2.25 per kilogram.

At Serpong Traditional Market, chicken is now selling for US$2.84 per kg. Traders say the increase began last weekend, with prices jumping between US$0.30 and US$2,000 within days. Based on patterns seen in previous years, sellers expect further rises of around US$0.12 every two days, which could push prices to US$2.96per kg if demand continues to strengthen.

In Medan, North Sumatra, broiler chicken is being sold for between US$42,000 and US$45,000 per kg. Economic observer Gunawan Benjamin linked the rise to stronger demand ahead of Ramadan, while supply growth has remained limited.

"Many people are complaining about the price of broiler chicken, which has reached Rp 45,000 per kg. However, in several traditional markets in Medan, prices still vary between Rp 42,000 and Rp 45,000 per kg," Gunawan said.

He noted that supply in the week before Ramadan increased by less than 12 percent compared with the previous week, while demand rose at a faster pace.

In Surabaya, monitoring at Dukuh Kupang Market on February 17, 2026 showed chicken priced at US$42,000  to US$43,000 per kg, slightly above the set retail ceiling. Nationally, data from the National Food Agency recorded the average price at US$40,572 per kg on February 15, 2026, a marginal daily decline.

Trade Minister Budi Santoso stressed that the government is tracking developments closely. "So, that doesn't mean the national average is Rp 45,000 per kg. However, we are still monitoring high prices in some markets. This could be due to insufficient supply or increased demand. We are ensuring prices remain under control and within the benchmark," Budi said.

Head of the National Food Agency, Andi Amran Sulaiman, added that President Prabowo Subianto is directly monitoring food prices. "On several occasions, the President even asked about the development of meat and chicken prices several times a day," said Amran.