AVIANZA statement on the impact of the blackout on the poultry sector

The Spanish poultry sector has reacted quickly and effectively to the blackout, thanks to the commitment of the more than 5,000 farms, hatcheries, and integrators, among others, that make up our value chain. Despite the magnitude of the power outage, incidents have been very isolated, and the sector's response has allowed chicken breeding and incubation to continue safely.

The farms and hatcheries have demonstrated a high level of preparedness, most of them having emergency systems such as generators, which in some cases are even duplicated in strategic facilities. This has ensured both animal welfare and the maintenance of critical incubation processes, especially in such a technologically advanced and demanding environment as ours.

Unlike other meat sectors, poultry requires a highly coordinated operation, with processes ranging from incubation to fresh meat management, processing into prepared meat, and distribution within very tight deadlines. This requires superior responsiveness and technical expertise, as well as constant planning, as we demonstrated during other events such as the pandemic, Filomena, and the DANA.

In the case of processing plants, as these are industrial facilities, many do not have generators, which has caused interruptions at key stages of animal processing. When there is any doubt about the integrity of the product, especially due to a break in the cold chain, the decision has been made to preemptively recall the meat, thus ensuring that no compromised product reaches the distribution channel.

The recovery of activity is underway at all levels: farms, incubators, processing rooms, and distribution. In some cases, it was restored yesterday, and in others it is happening today. We are still evaluating the possible effects on fertility in the incubators, as we will have to wait until the eggs hatch to determine if there has been any disruption.

We would like to deeply express our gratitude for the efforts of all industry professionals, who have once again demonstrated their ability to adapt to extraordinary situations. Thanks to this prior work and our solid logistics network, the sector maintains its commitment to the supply, quality, and food safety that Spanish consumers expect.

Spain has a robust, responsible, and independent poultry industry, capable of responding reliably even in the most complex scenarios. And it has proven it once again.