Construction began in 2011 on almost 26 hectares of land, 45km south west of the capital city Maputo. Further plans for a Parent breeder farm are already underway whilst three poultry houses already on an existing Parent breeder farm will be refurbished to house broiler breeders. Astral also plans to build three new broiler breeder sheds, allowing the hatchery to be self-sufficient in the supply of hatching eggs.

Roedolf Steenkamp, Managing Director of Astral’s African operations commented: “The Ross 308 is well known to the Mozambique market and delivers excellent growth performance. Our business plan for Africa began by entering a market with feed premixes and concentrates, followed by feed production (Meadow Mozambique Limitada) and then identifying the most viable option to enter the poultry industry.

“This enables us to implement our strategy, integrating good animal nutrition with a poultry business, leading to committed investments in Africa. The consistent development of the Mozambique economy together with growth in many industries in that country, and a favourable investment climate created by government, allows the establishment of poultry production capacity in Mozambique and supports the rationale for commissioning the Mozpintos Hatchery.”

Michael Garden, Business Manager for the region, Aviagen, added: “The Ross 308 bird delivers strong and balanced performance the world over and we are delighted that Astral Foods has recognised the potential in the opening of this new facility.

“We look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with them and their partners and helping Mozpintos become the success we know it will be.”