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THE FOOD INDUSTRY ALLIANCE MEETS WITH THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES AND FOOD SECURITY TO DEMAND GREATER CONSUMER PROTECTION AGAINST IMITATION VEGAN PRODUCTS

ANFACO-CECOPESCA, ANICE, AVIANZA and CEDECARNE launched the joint initiative #CadaCosaPorSuNombre last February. An action with which they aim to raise public opinion about the risks of an imbalance in the diet in the face of misinformation and confusion created by so-called imitation vegan products. 

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Madrid, May 13, 2024. The strategic alliance formed by ANFACO-CECOPESCA (Organization of the sea-industry complex1), ANICE (National Association of Meat Industries of Spain), AVIANZA (Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat) and CEDECARNE (Spanish Confederation of Meat Retailers ), which represents more than 150,000 workers, met today with the Secretary General of Agrarian Resources and Food Security, Fernando Miranda, to present the joint initiative #CadaCosaPorSuNombre and demand concrete actions from the government of Spain in defense of consumers. 

The main objective of this initiative is to raise public opinion about the true composition of said vegan foods and advocate for the need for action by Public Administrations, both at the Consumer level, reviewing Spanish shelves under information regulations. food for the consumer in terms of mentions on the packaging or advertising of the product, as well as developing new specific legislation at national and European level. 

The meeting follows the one held on February 20 with the General Directorate of Consumer Affairs, and the request to the AESAN for an Interpretative Note for public opinion that helps promote an adequate understanding of its nutritional values and the impacts that it has on the Diet can cause a displacement of animal protein that is essential for our body, along with the rest of the essential micronutrients. 

Firstly, during it the possibilities that, based on the current legislative framework (Regulation (EU) 1169/2011), allow for Consumer reviews to be carried out on the shelves were discussed, citing the recent success of collaboration with the Ministry in response to the complaint of product of HEURA FOODS that was called “MErlvza Steaks”.

Next, the current legal frameworks were analyzed in terms of sales names and commercial presentations, and the concept of evocation or unfair practices in comparative advertising (Directives 2006/114/EC and 2005/29/EC), suggesting the need for regulation at a national level that protects the denominations if they do not include said animal protein as long as the scientific species that applies. In addition, legislation that should be taken into account was reviewed, such as Royal Decree 474/2014, on the quality standard for meat derivatives, or Royal Decree 1521/1984 for fishery products, while characteristics for said products are included. 

Systematic non-compliance without legal action shows that it does not guarantee the differentiation of animal protein foods, and that an updated legal framework is needed. In this regard, the case of France was studied, which has recently raised the possibility of publishing a decree on this matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), which sought to avoid possible confusion or deception of the consumer when using terms traditionally associated with products of animal origin, but which are plant-based. It was agreed that once this issue was resolved in the CJEU, a similar initiative would be evaluated in the Spanish state. 

Finally, the need to promote the development and implementation of the delegated act contained in article 36 of the European Consumer Information Regulation, 1169/2011, to articulate vegan and vegetarian products, as a means of solution, was recalled by the Spanish government. harmonized. This request must be conveyed to the political and European parliamentary parties, so that they can activate it urgently after the next elections in June. Likewise, during the meeting, the historical context of the dispute between vegetable and dairy products was explained, where, until a few years ago, it was common to find vegetable products with names reserved for dairy products. 

This situation was resolved with the Judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union of June 14, 2017, which established that plant products cannot be marketed with names such as "milk" or "cheese", which is considered a mandatory reference for the adequate protection of other products of animal origin. The truth behind imitation vegan foods Vegan products, increasingly present on supermarket shelves, are often promoted as healthier and more ethical alternatives to products of animal origin. 

However, a detailed analysis of its ingredients reveals a different reality. Made from plant protein additives and, in some cases, additives or ingredients that would make them considered ultra-processed, these foods are designed to mimic and displace their animal-based counterparts. Through deceptive advertising strategies, they are presented as beneficial options for health and the environment, using names such as "vegan tuna or chicken" making claims about supposed global environmental benefits not supported by verifiable data. From a nutritional point of view, they lack the benefits of products of animal origin, which offer a unique digestive matrix, rich in high-quality proteins, essential nutrients and Omega 3 fatty acids, as in oily fish, or vitamin B12 in meats, which vegan foods cannot match. 

Additionally and as a parallel work, the recently published directive 2024/825 regarding consumer empowerment for the ecological transition would provide new paths for the classification of behaviors that will be studied. There is a lack of certification to support the sustainability claims of these products, raising serious questions about their actual impact on the environment. 

In this context, the vital contribution of the Spanish food industry to the economy and social well-being is highlighted, as well as its globally recognized standards in terms of responsibility and animal welfare. 

The #CadaCosaPorSuNombre initiative reminds us of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and that the consumer has access to authentic products.

The spokespersons for the different associations together with the Secretary General of Agrarian Resources and Food Security, Fernando Miranda.
Image from the #CadaCosaPorSuName campaign.
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A World Poultry Day with a “Birds of Spain” flavor and a sector more united than ever

  • The Aves de España certification celebrates its first World Poultry Day in operation working on the recognition of Spanish poultry quality 
  • This distinctive mark for poultry meat, promoted by Avianza, continues to take giant steps to unite the fundamental premises of Sustainability, Animal Welfare and Food Safety in a quality certificate that values the entire poultry meat production chain.

Madrid, May 10, 2024. This year the World Poultry Day It has Spanish flavor. The taste of "“Birds of Spain”, a quality certificate for poultry meat in our country that was released a few months ago and that continues unstoppable, combining the fundamental premises of Sustainability, Animal Welfare and Food Safety for the entire poultry meat production chain. And on this World Poultry Day for the first time present at this celebration. 

The certification Birds of Spain in poultry meat products assures the consumer that the operators who obtain it have a certified system that includes strict traceability, quality and control requirements, identifying poultry in the market for the production of meat (fresh, refrigerated or frozen , whether packaged or in bulk); and products made, transformed or processed with it.

To this end, products that meet all the requirements of the regulation and are certified have the label. Birds of Spain in its packaging. In addition, this logo carries a QR code, in which the consumer can scan and learn more about all the safety, quality and animal welfare certifications of the product they are consuming.

High-level poultry companies such as Avícola Hidalgo, Nutrave, Redondo and Grupo Vall Companys (through its subsidiaries Pondex and Avigal) have this certification and its incorporation to the shelves of the main supermarket chains is already being finalized.  

“We are in a turbulent time for the poultry sector, as we have been denouncing in recent months, due to the rise in costs and the transport and animal welfare regulations that they want to implement in Europe, but we also want to convey that positive vision of the great work What we do from Spain to enhance the quality of our poultry meat and consolidate the country as one of the European leaders in poultry meat production. And what better day than World Poultry Day,” says Jordi Montfort, general secretary of Avianza.

An interprofessional committed to the future of the sector

This World Poultry Day which is marked by a sector more united than ever, with international vision, with the proactivity of the meat sector to unapologetically promote its contribution to the healthy eating habits of citizens, and the demand to be recognized as an active part in decision-making about the more sustainable future of our planet, especially in matters of regulations that come from the European Commission.  

And again with internationalization as part of the value proposition as a meat sector, with presence in markets as important as the United Arab Emirates, with the help of ICEX, Mexico or China, with the first mission in years visiting our country to learn first-hand what makes us so attractive as an international gastronomic and agricultural power. 

And to end the celebrations in this important month for the poultry sector, on May 29 Avianza will collaborate and actively participate in aviFORUM Meat, a poultry meeting that stands as an indispensable reference for professionals in the poultry meat production sector and processing rooms. The interprofessional will have a presentation focused on Animal Welfare.

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Aves de España and Marta Verona highlight poultry meat at the Gourmets Hall

  • The chef and nutritionist carried out a cooking show in the space of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain, where she made three rich and nutritious gastronomic proposals with chicken, turkey and quail as the protagonists of the event.
  • Journalists and professionals from the sector were able to taste the succulent dishes and discover the benefits of this white meat in the incomparable setting of one of the most important gastronomic fairs in the country.

Madrid, April 23, 2024.-  The 37th edition of the Gourmets Show this Tuesday had a flavor of poultry meat. Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, wanted to highlight the Poultry of Spain by carrying out an interesting cooking show led by the renowned chef and nutritionist, Marta Verona.

Attendees, including journalists and professionals in the sector, were able to receive a master class on the tastiest and most nutritious options for cooking chicken, turkey and quail.

Marta Verona was in charge of devising and preparing this poultry menu consisting of three dishes. The diners began the tasting with a Taco of Caesar salad with cold cuts turkey home, they continued savoring chili pepper chicken with huasacaca, and they finished the gastronomic experience with a Saam of quail pickled with sweet potato puree, all made with local products.

This is the third edition that Avianza joins the Gourmets Hall, reiterating the importance that the interprofessional gives to being present and supporting events as important in the sector as this top-level gastronomic exhibition. With its presence, Avianza wants to continue promoting the Aves de España seal, the result of the Spanish poultry sector's commitment to quality, sustainability and food safety.  

This showcooking, carried out in the space of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Nutrition of Spain, also had a recreational part for the attendees, who participated in a fun contest answering a question about poultry meat. The winners of the raffle will receive a personalized professional chef's jacket at home, as well as the ingredients to make Marta Verona's recipes.

The 37th edition of the Gourmets Fair, the No. 1 quality Food and Beverage Fair in Europe, opened its doors last Monday, April 22 and will continue to host more than 1,500 gastronomic firms and 37,000 premium products until next Thursday, April 25. level.

Successful attendance at the Spanish Bird Showcooking at the Gourmets Hall.

A moment of Marta Verona's showcooking in the MAPA and Foods of Spain space.

Two of the dishes prepared by chef Marta Verona.

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FOURTEEN LIVESTOCK ORGANIZATIONS JOIN TO ASK THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE FOR SPAIN TO REJECT THE NEW EUROPEAN REGULATION REGARDING THE TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS

  • Anice, Anprogapor, Apromar, Asaja, Aseprhu, Asoprovac, Avianza, Cesfac, COAG, Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España, Federovo, Intercun, UPA and Veteindustria have addressed Minister Luis Planas to show their concern about the new European regulations on the matter. of Animal Welfare and have joined together to demand that the Government of Spain take measures in this regard
  • These organizations declare that the European Regulation on the protection of animals during transport does not defend the European Production Model, does not contemplate or is based on the real Animal Welfare problems of Spain and will have serious consequences for Spanish livestock production. 

Madrid, April 10, 2024. The Spanish meat livestock sector once again shows its concern regarding the new European regulations on Animal Welfare. Fourteen of the most prominent livestock, agri-food and veterinary organizations in our country (Anice, Anprogapor, Apromar, Asaja, Aseprhu, Asoprovac, Avianza, Cesfac, COAG, Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España, Federovo, Intercun, UPA and Veteindustria) have come together and have sent a joint statement addressed directly to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, so that Spain rejects the new European Regulation regarding the protection of animals during transport and related operations, for the amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005. 

These organizations insist that the new regulation does not have a sufficient scientific basis and does not ensure an improvement in the welfare of animals during transport compared to the current situation. It is evident that the proposal has not been sufficiently worked on and that its social, economic and environmental impact has not been adequately estimated. Likewise, they maintain that the solution must be to work to improve the implementation of the current legislative framework, the most demanding in the world, which would allow the welfare of animals to continue to increase.  

The demanding measures of the new regulation would risk the economic sustainability of many rural areas in more disadvantaged and depopulated territories, would reduce cultural diversity and benefit the interests of countries that occupy a privileged position for the animal trade, while peripheral countries would be condemned ( and to island territories) to a serious competitive disadvantage, which would bear disproportionate costs.

"For all this, we strongly ask that Spain's position before the Council be to reject the proposal and demand its withdrawal, frontally opposing it, due to the serious damage it would cause to Spanish livestock production, to the value chain of foods of animal origin, to citizens (whether producers or consumers), to the economy and rural development of our country, to its gastronomic culture and to the Spanish productive model. The entire sector is united in the face of this incoherent proposal,” the spokespersons for these organizations jointly assure. 

The serious consequences for Spain 

Spain is one of the main producing countries in the EU and complying with this new regulation would imply a decrease in the productive capacity and competitiveness of livestock production and foods of animal origin in our country. 

These are the main reasons why this Regulation is not viable: 

1.  Prevents fair and balanced trade between member countries of the European Union. Due to the limitation of travel hours and temperatures allowed for transport, Spanish farmers would not be able to receive animals for breeding from countries where they are currently purchased, nor would they be able to export high-value genetics to the rest of the world. 

 2.  Unprecedented administrative burden. The obligations included in the proposed standard entail a very high administrative, bureaucratic and personnel cost and many farms do not have the means to carry it out and the smallest ones will be the most affected.

3.  The Spanish animal production sector suffers clear discrimination due to its geographical location and natural conditions. In the proposed standard, the temperatures and geographical diversity of our country condition us and this proposal represents a comparative insult with respect to other European regions given the average temperatures in Spain. 

4.   Night work. The difficulties in transporting animals during the day for long periods of the year will force workers in the livestock sector and related activities to work longer hours at night. This would imply that animal production would have a higher cost, more occupational risks, greater difficulties in conciliation and a greater risk for road safety, among others. 

5. Decrease in exports. If this proposal progresses, Spain's export capacity would be seriously reduced. The impact would not only affect livestock farmers, but also the food chain that depends on products of animal origin (mainly processing and cutting industries, but also feed and input factories necessary for animal production and their products). processed products, and to transporters of animals and their products). 

6.  Inflation and decrease in state income If the text were approved, the consumer would pay the increases in the production cost of the products in the basic basket. It would be more expensive to consume meat, eggs or fish, especially for people with lower incomes in the population. 

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Avicola Hidalgo, Nutrave, Redondo and Grupo Vall Companys already have the Birds of Spain certification

  • These four important poultry companies have already completed the audit process of this certificate that arises under the fundamental and unifying premises of Sustainability, Animal Welfare and Food Safety for the entire poultry meat production chain.
  • The poultry products of these commercial brands may have this seal on their packaging and labels so that the consumer associates the consumption of poultry with this name with a product that meets the highest quality standards throughout the food chain.
  • Other national producers are immersed in the process of obtaining this seal and will soon join the network of companies certified with the distinction. Birds of Spain
  • The poultry sector produced more than 1.6 million tons of poultry meat in 2023, increasing production by 2.5% and recovering household consumption in relation to 2022

Madrid, April 4, 2024. The quality certificate BIRDS OF SPAIN (www.avesdeespana.es), promoted by Avianza (Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat), is already a reality that highlights the production of poultry meat (chicken, turkey and quail) in our country, from its breeding , production, preparation of products and their distribution throughout the world.

This certificate adds four new member poultry companies that have verified through an exhaustive audit that they comply with the main values of the entire production chain: sustainability (both environmental, economic and social), the Animal welfare and the Food safety.

The companies Poultry Hidalgo, Nutrave, Redondo and Vall Companys Group (through its subsidiaries Pondex and Avigal) can now add the identification label of Birds of Spain, so that the consumer associates the consumption of poultry with this designation with a product that meets the highest quality standards throughout the food chain.

“That companies are betting on this unifying seal of Spanish poultry meat is a decisive step to highlight the quality of our poultry meat and consolidate the country as one of the European leaders in poultry meat production,” says Jordi Montfort, general secretary of Avianza and adds that “we are very satisfied with the great reception of this initiative since other national producers are immersed in the process of obtaining this seal and will soon join the network of companies certified with the Aves de Spain. We encourage other poultry producers to be part of Birds of Spain”. 

All the information at the consumer's fingertips

The certification Birds of Spain in poultry meat products assures the consumer that the operators who obtain it have a certified system that includes strict traceability, quality and control requirements, identifying poultry in the market for the production of meat (fresh, refrigerated or frozen , whether packaged or in bulk); and products made, transformed or processed with it.

To this end, products that meet all the requirements of the regulation and are certified will have the label. Birds of Spain in its packaging. Besides, This logo carries a QR code, in which the consumer can scan and learn more about all the safety, quality and animal welfare certifications of the product they are consuming.

A leading sector in Spain

Avianza brings together more than 65 associated companies and represents more than 90% of companies linked to the poultry sector, both chicken, turkey and other poultry. In total, it has more than 5,000 farms and production centers, 281 cutting and processing rooms, which provide direct employment to more than 40,000 professionals.

The poultry sector produced more than 1.6 million tons of poultry meat in 2023, increasing production by 2.5% and recovering household consumption in relation to 2022. Poultry meat has become a refuge product for Spanish homes.

The four companies certified with the AVES DE ESPAÑA seal.
The Vall Companys Group receiving certification during the last Alimentaria fair.
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AVIANZA, ANFACO-CECOPESCA AND ANICE JOIN TO DEFEND THE NUTRITIONAL AUTHENTICITY OF PRODUCTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN AGAINST IMITATION VEGAN FOODS

Those responsible for the three most representative organizations in Spain in the production of products of animal origin, both terrestrial and marine, met today with the General Director of Consumer Affairs, Daniel Arribas, in order to express to him the common movement of the entire the Spanish industry.

Under the initiative #CEveryThingByItsName, aim to raise public opinion about the true composition of these vegan foods, which in no way resemble the quality of animal protein or the content of its micronutrients.

Similar action is requested from neighboring countries, such as France or Italy, which have initiated legislative processes in order to ensure accurate information that ensures a correct choice for consumers and thus puts an end to unfair competition.

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In a strategic and unprecedented alliance to date, ANFACO-CECOPESCA (Organization of the sea-industry complex), ANICE (National Association of Meat Industries of Spain) and AVIANZA (Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat) have undertaken a common initiative national level in defense of seafood, meat and poultry products, given the growing presence in the Spanish market of imitation vegan foods whose objective is to take advantage of the reputation of products of animal origin, attempting to mislead the consumer through its advertising and labeling.

For this reason, today the three entities have met with the General Director of Consumer Affairs, Mr. Daniel Arribas, in order to present to you the joint initiative that they will call #CEveryThingByItsName, with which they aim to raise public opinion about the true composition of said vegan foods, and the need to act from the Public Administrations, both at the Consumer level, reviewing the Spanish shelves under the principles of the food information regulations for the consumer in terms of mentions on the packaging or advertising of the product, and developing new specific legislation.

In this regard, although the European Consumer Information Regulation 1169/2011 includes elements of action, the meeting discussed the draft legislative projects that are being produced in France, 2023/0510/FR, or Italy, 2023/0469/IT, with decrees already sent to TRIS that seek to restrict the commercial names of products of animal origin by establishing minimum percentages of content in the ingredients, among other measures. These decrees should constitute a working basis for the ministry in its defense of the Mediterranean diet, an internationally recognized and scientifically proven diet against new vegan trends that employ unfair competition.

It is enough to read the ingredients of these vegan foods to understand that they are derived from vegetable proteins, prepared with the aim of imitating and displacing products of animal origin, presenting themselves as advantageous in the field of health, environmental character and even from a perspective. ethics. To do this, they do not hesitate to use names such as “vegan tuna or chicken”, as well as false advertising messages alluding to the fact that their consumption benefits the environment or is more responsible.

As a reminder, The three associative entities remember that nutrition must be varied and balanced. In this sense, products of animal origin incorporate a unique digestive matrix, with authentic and incomparable elements, related to the quality of their proteins (essential amino acids), or key micronutrients, such as minerals and vitamins, without forgetting the essential Omega 3 fatty acids. , present in fish. These vegan foods can never nutritionally replace products of animal origin.

Regarding sustainability, an argument in which many of these foods abound, we subscribe to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee, which considers that Sustainability labels or claims that are not based on a widely recognized certification regime should be prohibited. Therefore, it lacks a rigorous comparison of the carbon or water footprint that these vegan foods produce, or the origin of their ingredients, which could precisely conclude the opposite, being more harmful to the environment.

Finally, it must be remembered that Spain is a world power in the food industry, being its vital socioeconomic contribution to many coastal and rural areas, helping with its activity to support thousands of families and with standards of responsibility or animal welfare recognized worldwide, that demonstrate the good choice of consuming Spanish products of animal origin.

It is expected that this initiative will generate deep reflection in the Spanish government and invite it to act, legislating in accordance with France and Italy, thus demonstrating its defense of loyal, truthful and transparent food information, which does not mislead the consumer.

Because a soy preparation is not a vegan chicken, nor is a chickpea pasta a nugget, let's call #CEveryThingByItsName.

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AVIANZA returns to Gulfood Dubai, the largest agri-food fair in the Middle East

  • This international food and beverage supply exhibition has started today and will end on Friday, February 23 at the Dubai World Trade Center 
  • The interprofessional has a stand (Hall 1. S1-L69) where to show visitors the great capacity of the Spanish poultry industry in terms of innovation, digital transformation, healthy eating and nutrition  
  • As part of its internationalization strategy, AVIANZA is carrying out this action through its agreement with ICEX

Dubai, February 19, 2024.- The 2024 edition of Gulfood Dubai began this morning at the Dubai World Trade Center, establishing itself, once again, as the largest fair in the Middle East dedicated to the food and beverage industry. One more edition AVIANZA, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, is present with an information stand with ICEX, as part of its internationalization plan. 

Until this Friday, the interprofessional organization will present to distributors, the restaurant sector and consumers the benefits of the Spanish poultry industry, which is an international benchmark for its capacity for innovation, transformation and adaptation to new challenges in terms of food. healthy, nutrition, animal welfare and food safety and quality. 

Jordi Montfort and Marta Lafarque, general secretary and head of the internationalization area of AVIANZA, respectively, are in charge of the association's space – HALL 1, stand S1-L69 – where it is already receiving personalities, companies and associations interested in generating synergies with the Spanish poultry sector. 

Likewise, on Wednesday, February 21, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, AVIANZA organizes a Masterclass under the #PoultryfromSpain campaign in the TOP TABLE GULFOOD space with the renowned Spanish chef Iker Zapata Errasti (Restaurante Tagomago, Dubai), who will perform a succulent recipe with Spanish poultry meat as the protagonist.  

Spanish poultry companies such as Procavi and Coren are also present at this international fair. Gulfood Dubai is the largest agri-food meeting in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and Oceania. The Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat joins this scenario to give visibility and promote Spanish poultry farming. More than 5,000 exhibiting companies and institutions are invited to participate in this edition and visitors from more than 120 countries are expected to arrive.

For Jordi Montfort, general secretary of AVIANZA, “it is essential that the association has a presence in such prestigious international events as Gulfood Dubai. These fairs represent an irreplaceable platform to present and exalt the excellence of Spanish poultry products in an area that is so strategic for our international expansion plans, such as the countries of the Middle East."

Visits to the AVIANZA stand. From left to right. María Naranjo, director of the Food Industry at ICEX; Jordi Montfort and Marta Lafarque, general secretary and head of internationalization of AVIANZA and José Miguel Herrero, general director of the Food Industry of MAPA.
Representatives from MAPA, OFECOME Dubai and ICEX have been visiting the AVIANZA stand in Hall 1-S1-L69 today.
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THE MEAT AND POULTRY SECTOR REQUIRES THROUGH AVIANZA THAT THE EUROPEAN STATEMENTS CONSIDER THE REALITY OF THE AGRI-FOOD SECTORS AND ENSURE THEIR STABILITY

Madrid, February 9, 2024. AVIANZA (Spanish Interprofessional Poultry Meat Association) joins the discontent of European livestock breeders and farmers and once again demands, as it has done in recent months, the urgent need for European institutions to adjust current and future regulations to the real situation of the sector. agri-food in each country.

For Avianza, regulatory changes cannot go against a strategic sector such as that of farmers in Europe, leading them to produce in an unfair and anti-competitive system, which forces local producers to meet high standards. while this compliance is forgotten for producers from markets outside the EU.

One of the latest comparative grievances is the community policies regarding a supposed increase in animal welfare. Our sector being one of the most guaranteeing in this area, regulations far from verified facts will once again suffocate the entire agri-food sector, leading it to one of the biggest crises in its history, since the profitability and viability of its farms will be affected. seriously compromised.

Regulations that could reduce almost 70% of the useful surface area of farms, require million-dollar investments in new facilities or increase production costs to a point of no return to economic viability. Measures that could triple the price of a whole chicken carcass, for example.

Measures also such as the new European regulation for the transport of animals, whose application does not take into account the climatic conditions of a country like Spain, nor the working conditions of the sector.

For this reason, we ask that we have the vision of all the agents involved to reach satisfactory solutions in all aspects, and not continue regulating with our backs turned, not only to the producers, but to the citizens themselves, who will be the main ones harmed by the reduction of the European food self-sufficiency.

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Avianza trains professionals in the poultry sector on the animal welfare seal Avianza Animal Welfare Spain (AAWS)

 

  • The Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat has met in Madrid more than ninety professionals from all over Spain to delve into the characteristics and processes of this new B+ Animal Welfare Commitment badge, specific for the poultry meat sector
  • This training has been given by Dr. Ana E. Blanco, Agricultural Engineer in Animal Production and Antonio Alegre, veterinarian specializing in poultry farming.

Madrid, February 2, 2024. AVIANZA, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, has carried out a complete training day for professionals in the poultry sector where more than ninety attendees from all over Spain have been able to delve deeper and train on a topic as relevant as animal welfare. Specifically, the training has revolved around the new B+ Animal Welfare Commitment certificate, specific for the poultry meat sector, called Avianza Animal Welfare Spain (AAWS).

This animal welfare seal was created with the aim of demonstrating the responsibility and awareness of the poultry sector with forms of production that are respectful of animals, improving good animal management practices and, therefore, contributing to greater efficiency in animal production. and higher product quality.

The day included presentations by Dr. Ana E. Blanco, Agricultural Engineer in animal production, and Antonio Alegre, veterinarian specializing in poultry, who carefully explained each of the key points to understand the certification. From specific characteristics of the AAWS seal, to the technical regulations of the animal welfare reference, as well as the audit processes for farms and processing plants.

“The poultry sector has the moral and deontological obligation to provide the greatest possible animal welfare to birds, not only to guarantee compliance with current regulations, but to provide standards beyond the legislation,” said Arán Zaldívar, technical director of Avianza. and added that “consideration for animal welfare is increasingly present among consumers and, therefore, the Spanish poultry sector has to be committed to increasing their confidence with a certification such as Avianza Animal Welfare Spain (AAWS). )”.

The commitment to animal welfare in the poultry sector

Improving good animal management practices contributes to greater efficiency in animal production and higher product quality. Hence the importance of all poultry farming professionals being aware of the relevance for their companies of having this certification.

Avianza Animal Welfare (AAWS) is an initiative framed in the common seal “B+ Commitment to Animal Welfare”, a project that arises from the Agri-Food Interprofessional Organizations of the Spanish livestock-meat sector and which brings together the interprofessional organizations of each of the sectors represented. Obtaining the AAWS certification, specific to the poultry meat sector, is necessary to authorize the use of the “B+ Animal Welfare Commitment” Mark.

The AVIANZA Animal Welfare Reference for fattening birds aims to lay the foundations for the strictest animal welfare standards in the production of meat birds. The objective pursued with the certification of the AVIANZA Animal Welfare Reference is to evaluate the animal welfare of poultry farms and processing centers in a standardized and objective manner.

In addition to ensuring compliance with community legal regulations on animal welfare, it raises standards above the legal minimum as it expands the fields of action and control relating to the five freedoms of animal welfare.

On farms, aspects that affect feeding, behavior, management and handling by staff and their relationship with birds, facilities and health are evaluated. While in processing centers, aspects related to the effect of handling by personnel, transportation and related operations, stabling and stunning operations (either electrical or controlled atmosphere), slaughter and possible injuries during these practices. The evaluation is carried out through audits in which direct and indirect conditions that may affect poultry are verified.

This certification is carried out by certification bodies, and is part of a constant evaluation, through follow-up audits, which ensure continuous compliance with the requirements established in the AVIANZA Animal Welfare Reference.

From left To right: Arán Zaldivar, technical director of Avianza; Dr. Ana E. Blanco and veterinarian Antonio Alegre, responsible for training on AAWS.
A moment of training for professionals in the poultry sector on the Avianza Animal Welfare Spain (AAWS) animal welfare seal.
A moment from Dr. Ana E. Blanco's intervention in the training of Avianza.
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Balance 2023: the poultry meat sector has earned the recognition of representing the Spain brand

This year has been marked by a process of recovery in demand for poultry meat, which reaches production values of 2021, but with a high cost of profitability after 2 years of price increases in raw materials, energy, inputs and inflation

●      The launch of “Aves de España” as a new guarantee brand for consumers and for the sector, as well as promotional actions among consumers to show the properties of Spanish poultry meat, have been its pillars of action.

●      One of these actions has been the “European Poultry” campaign, co-financed by the European Commission, and which has reached more than 20 million people in the last two years.

Madrid, December 21, 2023.- Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Poultry Meat Association, takes stock of 2023 with a vision of the sector's activity during the last year. From the poultry meat production indices, which reach 2021 levels, with a forecast of reaching 1,681,722 tons (chicken, turkey and quail), compared to 1,632,740 in 2022.

However, the increase does not yet cover the great economic efforts to face the successive crises of the last two years, nor the increase in production costs associated with our activity.

Despite everything, the association has pursued two main objectives:

  • The promotion of Spanish poultry meat among Spanish consumers, positioning itself around three values: Sustainability, Animal Welfare and Food Safety. For this, it has had the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Food of Spain, or the European Commission, with co-financed projects that are added to the investment of the partners themselves.
  • The second major objective has been the internationalization of our sector, with the opening of new markets such as Mexico, the reinforcement of the actions started with ICEX in the United Arab Emirates, a priority market, or the anticipation of receiving trade missions from China, the Philippines or Singapore.  

All this without forgetting a great claim: the recognition of Spanish poultry meat as a representative of the Spain brand and our gastronomic wealth, as well as our contribution to healthy, affordable and safe eating.

Main activity indicators of the Spanish poultry sector

In 2023, production has increased by 2.5%, with an increase in the average weight of the birds. Household consumption has recovered in relation to 2022, becoming a refuge product for households in 2023.

SECTOR EVOLUTION:

Initiatives for internationalization

Actions to generate new business opportunities and opening of markets for the Spanish poultry meat sector in the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the framework agreement with ICEX and the Poultry from Spain initiative. In addition, we proceed to open the Mexico market.

Thus, in our mission in Dubai, Spanish poultry meat was the protagonist thanks to the support of ICEX, the Economic and Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in Dubai and SOPEXA.

Furthermore, in 2024, actions have been confirmed to attract companies in the distribution and restaurant sector to markets such as the Philippines, China, or Singapore, among others.

It is time to look outside Europe for poultry exports. After the closure of important markets for France (such as Japan or the United States of America) due to vaccination against Avian Influenza, the possibility of influencing markets in third countries for Spain is a great opportunity. We are talking about Southeast Asian markets such as Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong or the Philippines, where we want to promote the Aves de España brand for the consumer in the retail and HORECA channel.

Position of the sector on the animal welfare regulations proposed by the European Commission.

According to Avianza, the impact on the poultry meat production sector in Spain of a possible implementation of the EFSA recommendations (under evaluation by the European Commission) would have the following consequences:

  • Reduction of almost 70% in the useful area of the farms. It is as if 3,500 farms were closed, out of the current 5,000. Therefore, those 3,500 farms would need to be built to compensate and supply the current level of demand.
  • Construction of around one more 73% of ships to compensate and be able to supply the market. This would mean an investment of +1.8 billion euros
  • Go back on the advances in genetics that currently allow for more sustainable, efficient and environmentally responsible production and guarantee food safety
  • The price of the carcass could triple on the farm. In the most consumed product in Spain, the breast, it could reach €15 or €20 per kilo for conventional free-range chicken.
  • This increase would mean that for the majority of Spaniards, chicken would become a luxury product for families, who would lose the possibility of accessing a very high quality protein.

Position of the sector on the new regulations for the transport of meat products (already in force)

The main provisions for road transport are:

  • When temperatures between 25°C and 30°C are expected, only trips that take place between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. will be permitted. According to the average temperatures in Spain, the operation would have to be at night from May to October, approximately
  • The number of animals per square meter inside the trucks is reduced
  • Loading and unloading must be supervised by a veterinarian
  • The maximum travel times are set at 12 hours including loading and unloading (if the destination is a processing room) and 24 hours for chicks (48 hours after hatching).

This regulation means having to increase the truck fleet by 22% (about 505 more trucks per week). Increase costs due to night shifts, both for truck drivers and veterinarians and personnel involved in loading/unloading. Likewise, by increasing the fleet, CO2 emissions, fuel consumption, etc. will increase. Therefore, this regulation will be less efficient than the one applied until now. In addition, travel times drastically influence exports.

Launch of the “Aves de España” brand and Avianza Animal Welfare Spain (AAWS) seal

We have launched the first quality certification for “Poultry of Spain” meat. This initiative establishes the foundations and tools to highlight the production of poultry meat (chicken, turkey and quail) from its breeding, production, processing and global distribution.

This certificate articulates the main values of our production chain: environmental, economic and social sustainability, Animal Welfare and Food Safety. A milestone to highlight the quality of Spanish poultry meat and consolidate Spain as one of the European leaders in the production of poultry meat.

This initiative also introduces the Avianza Animal Welfare Spain (AAWS), a new B+ Animal Welfare Commitment badge specific to our poultry meat sector. It guarantees a higher implementation of current regulations throughout our production process, strengthening our commitment to animal welfare in this industry.

Campaign with MAP and Food from Spain

Initiative to promote the consumption of poultry meat for the national market, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) and Food of Spain. The objective has been to highlight the benefits of chicken, turkey or quail meat.

A campaign that has led us to collaborate with renowned chefs, carry out dissemination workshops and practical advice for the preparation of poultry meat, and raise awareness about healthy and balanced nutrition.

“Sustainable European Poultry” Initiative

Through the campaign EUROPEAN POULTRY MEAT, YOUR SMART CHOICE, co-financed by the European Commission, under the coordination of the European poultry association AVEC. The main objective has been to raise awareness among European consumers about the sustainability of the European poultry sector and the high quality of its product. It has been developed in Spain, France, Belgium and Germany.

Boosting the creativity of Spanish gastronomy

Poultry meat is a fundamental piece of the gastronomic wealth of our country, and together with the most renowned chefs, as well as promising young people, in 2023 we will promote several actions to raise awareness of our birds.

  • Meat Attraction, with cooking workshops taught by the renowned chef of Canal Cocina, Sergio Fernández, with poultry as the protagonist.
  • Gourmets Hall, with Fabián León as master of ceremonies of our ephemeral restaurant, where we promoted the consumption of kilometer 0 products.
  • Barbecue workshops, with chef Alfonso Castellano, at Seeds, to highlight one of our most international products, roast chicken, as well as other dishes with turkey and quail.  
  • Promotion of exploitative cuisine, with workshops and activities in Madrid's Mercado de la Paz, with the renowned chef and nutritionist Marta Verona as master of ceremonies. In addition, we opened our first pop up store in Post 92, to promote Local Markets and knowledge of the Birds of Spain.
  • Thanksgiving workshops, to join an international holiday using our most local products, with turkey as the protagonist. With chefs like Javier Muñoz Calero or Fernando Canales.

The importance of working together

  • We are Livestock.An initiative that is linked to European Livestock Voice and its "Meatthefacts" campaign (or "Livestock Reality" in Spain), and that aims to respond to the unjustified pressure on the livestock sector and the myths that surround it. We aim to underline the importance of providing accurate information on livestock production backed by scientific data and work on farms.
  • Meat Livestock Forum & Municipal Agricultural Livestock Network. An initiative promoted by interprofessional organizations in the sector to help the Spanish economy and society face the challenges of sustainability, digitalization and the demographic challenge.