An important highlight of the meeting was given by Dr. Santiago Avendano, Director of Global Genetics who provided a product update on the Ross 308 and a review of Aviagen genetic developments and achievements.

Several of the key business presentations focused on feed shortages, rising prices and their impact on the current regional markets. Other speakers addressed disease management and the benefits of attaining laboratory accreditation.

An important function of the meeting is to provide first-hand information to and from customers on their individual market within the region, identifying and highlighting any significant trends that they encounter.

It also provides an ideal forum for discussions covering customers’ major opportunities and issues. The RMEAA has and continues to provide tremendous value and inspiration for both the host and its participants.

Many of its members have built and developed long-term relationships which continue to become stronger.

In a region with high population growth and rising poultry consumption rates, the industry has seen some negative impact from increasing and volatile feed costs. In addition, continued import pressure from major exporting countries such as Brazil and the USA combined with political unrest across the Middle East has disrupted the market.

These problems are incremental to normal every day pressures of disease and have come together to make the business conditions very difficult for many companies as they seek solutions to improve their performance in operational efficiency, management, bio-security and bird heath.

“I make time to attend this meeting every year,” commented Tony Freiji, Chairman Wadi Holding. “It is an important time to catch up with old friends and also step away and reflect on the business as you hear other viewpoints and participate in discussion.”

Eng. Abdulmalik Alduhayan, General Manager Pure Breed Poultry Co, Saudi Arabia, said “For me it is important to listen to the other business people and understand how they overcome obstacles and what their experience has been in managing their businesses. We learn and can sometimes adopt a similar approach when dealing with competitors for instance.”

“We are grateful to our distributors for their support and participation in the RMEAA meeting. It is important for the Ross team to organize and host this important event which offers the chance to engage fully with the distributor companies and become more aware of key areas for future support,” concludes John Maguire, Sales Manager, Ross International Sales Manager, Middle East and Africa.