Posts

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Avianza confirms the opening of the Chinese market to Spanish poultry meat as a strategic milestone for the sector.

Madrid, April 30, 2025At Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Poultry Meat Association, we would like to highlight the signing of the new bilateral agreement between Spain and China, which will allow the export of Spanish poultry meat to the Asian giant. This opening represents a decisive step in the internationalization of the national poultry sector and responds to a long-standing demand from our companies and producers, which we have been working on together with public administrations since 2020.


The agreement, signed last Monday in Madrid by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food and the General Administration of Customs of China, opens a high-value trade route to one of the world's markets with the highest demand for poultry meat. At Avianza, we believe this opening not only expands the export horizon but also strengthens Spain's competitiveness as an international supplier of food with the highest quality standards.


“The signing of this protocol is excellent news for poultry companies, many of which have worked for years to be ready to export to a market as demanding as China,” says Jordi Montfort, Secretary General of Avianza. “This achievement is the result of public-private collaboration and the sector's constant efforts to meet the highest health and production standards.” He adds: “Since 2020, our interprofessional association has focused on the internationalization of the Spanish poultry meat sector, with joint initiatives with MAPA and ICEX, as well as the European Commission, to reach new markets in the Middle East (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, etc.), Mexico, South America, several Southeast Asian countries, and China as a major market to conquer.”


From now on, the process still requires several steps to facilitate the arrival of Spanish poultry meat to this market. The first step is the negotiation of the corresponding certificate, the visit of inspectors and auditors from Chinese agencies, the subsequent registration of companies with CEXGAN (the Chinese Customs Agency), and the final registration in the Chinese Customs system for the respective plants to be registered for export.


In addition to the poultry meat agreement, both parties have signed a work plan to implement electronic signatures on export certificates, which will streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and strengthen the security of trade.


Spanish poultry meat thus gains access to a strategic market with enormous growth potential and capacity to absorb products that face greater barriers elsewhere. This new avenue will also improve the sector's negotiating position in other third countries and contribute to consolidating its position in the global market.

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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.

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Avianza promotes the poultry sector at Meat Attraction 2025

The Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat is positioned as a reference in the international fair of the meat sector with gastronomic activities and professional meetings

Madrid, February 25, 2025.- Meat Attraction 2025 has kicked off today in Madrid, consolidating its position as the key meeting point for the most important players in the meat sector at a global level. Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, is participating prominently in the event, representing the value of the national poultry industry and reinforcing its leadership as one of the main meat sectors in Europe.

Avianza has created a unique space in Hall 4 (stand 4B13), designed to host meetings between industry professionals and to offer visitors a detailed overview of the progress, production and innovation in poultry meat in Spain. With more than 40,000 direct jobs generated, the poultry sector is key to the country's economy and is reaffirmed as the second largest producer of poultry meat in the European Union.

One of the main attractions of the Avianza stand is the presentation of the Spanish Poultry Quality Certificate, an initiative that guarantees the quality, traceability and food safety of chicken, turkey and quail meat produced in Spain. This seal endorses the high standards of sustainability, animal welfare and exhaustive control followed by national poultry companies, reinforcing confidence in Spanish poultry products.

The interprofessional organization has welcomed the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to its space, a meeting where they were able to share their vision of the future of the sector and their concern about the EU-Mercosur agreement and the transport law, among others. 

Show cookings and live culinary experiences

In addition, Avianza offers a series of gastronomic experiences in its space, where visitors will be able to enjoy show cooking by renowned chef Sergio Fernández and popular chicken chef and cook Raúl de KOC. These gastronomy experts will demonstrate various ways of preparing poultry meat, with recipes that highlight the versatility and flavour of Spanish birds.

On Tuesday, February 25 at 1:30 p.m., Sergio Fernández delighted attendees with a menu consisting of:

  • Chicken with shrimps
  • Quails with mole poblano
  • Turkey and cereal crunchburger

On Wednesday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m., Raúl de KOC will offer a workshop on chicken butchering techniques and will present innovative recipes such as:

  • Oriental Chicken Stir Fry
  • Quail legs with Korean BBQ
  • Mini Turkey Smash Burger

These culinary shows aim to inspire chefs and restaurateurs to include poultry meat in their menus, highlighting its nutritional value and adaptability to all types of dishes.

A key sector for Spain and Europe

Jordi Montfort, Secretary General of Avianza, has highlighted the importance of the association's presence at the fair: “Being part of Meat Attraction is essential for us, as it allows us to continue to showcase the wealth of the Spanish poultry sector at an international level. It is a unique opportunity to position ourselves as a benchmark and share with the world the effort and dedication of our industry.”

With its presence at Meat Attraction 2025, Avianza reinforces its commitment to the promotion of Spanish poultry meat, bringing the public closer to both excellence

Marta Lafarque (Avianza Internationalization); Jordi Montfort (Avianza General Secretary); the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas; Josep Solé (Avianza President) and Arán Zaldívar (Avianza Technical Deputy Director).

Moment of the cooking show of poultry meat from Spain with chef Sergio Fernández

Sergio Fernández preparing the quails.

The Avianza team at the poultry sector stand at Meat Attraction.

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Avianza warns of recent food alerts from the European Commission and questions Mercosur's food security

Madrid, February 18, 2025. In recent weeks, the European Commission's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF Window) has issued several alert notifications linked to poultry products from Brazil, which has revived concerns about food safety in Mercosur countries. These alerts include the detection of pesticide residues and chlorinated chemicals, which are not permitted in the European Union, as well as the presence of pathogens such as Salmonella in meat products. For this reason, their entry has been refused, but it is impossible to verify the 100% of shipments from Brazil. 

From Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, we underline the importance of strengthening controls on imports from Mercosur countries, especially at a time when trade agreements are being sought that could increase the entry of these products into the European market. The growing list of alerts issued by the RASFF exposes the vulnerabilities of the food safety system of these countries and raises serious doubts about the quality and compliance with the health standards required in the EU.

Furthermore, the recent European Commission report, “Final of audit carried out in Brazil from 15 April to 3 May 2024 in order to evaluate the animal health controls in place, in particular on avian influenza in relation to the export of poultry, eggs and their products to the European Union”, calls into question the capacity of the Brazilian authorities to diagnose outbreaks of avian influenza early. The document warns that, although the system offers certain guarantees on compliance with import requirements, surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) may not be sufficient to detect the disease in time, which increases uncertainties regarding the control of exported products.

In this regard, Avianza reiterates its concern about the impact that the Mercosur agreement would have on the European poultry sector. According to the Rabobank report, "EU-Mercosur agreement: Implications for food and agribusiness", this agreement would allow the entry of 180,000 additional tons of poultry meat from Mercosur, which represents an increase of 581 TP3T with respect to current imports from this region and 201 TP3T with respect to total poultry imports in the EU. This increase, together with the deficiencies in Brazilian health controls, could put European food safety at risk, compared to the strict controls that European producers comply with, as reflected in the recent declaration of Spain as free of avian flu by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Faced with this situation, Avianza urges European authorities to assess the impact of these products on consumer health and to prioritise local production of poultry meat, which is subject to strict quality controls and certifications. It is essential to defend the European poultry industry, which guarantees complete traceability and complies with the most rigorous animal welfare and food safety regulations, offering consumers safe, top-quality products.

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The poultry meat sector is promoting a European sustainability model in the face of the threat of low-cost production and animal rights activists' lies

Avianza has held a meeting with distribution, restaurant brands and the media where it has delved into the main challenges of the poultry sector in 2025

Poultry meat accounts for 411 TP3T of total protein consumption in Europe, consolidating its position as one of the main sources of protein in the European diet and global poultry meat consumption is expected to grow by 21 TP3T per capita by 2032.

Chicken meat is the most consumed fresh meat, with 557,900 tons in 2023

In terms of sustainability, European poultry meat is already established as a role model in the food sector and follows the objectives and meets the standards of the European Commission's Farm to Fork strategy.

Pressure from animal rights initiatives such as the European Chicken Commitment (ECC) to impose its model would entail an investment of 8.24 billion euros, which would reduce European production capacity and increase imports from countries with less strict regulations.

Madrid, February 4, 2025. Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, has held a debate forum for professionals in the sector, distribution and restaurant brands, as well as for specialized journalists. In this virtual meeting, Josep Solé and Jordi Montfort, president and general secretary of Avianza, respectively, together with Carlos Garcés, researcher and president of the European Federation of WPSA (World's Poultry Science Association) delved into the situation of the poultry sector for 2024 and the challenges for 2025.  

European poultry meat, a sustainable food sector

European poultry meat accounts for 411 TP3T of total protein consumption in Europe, establishing itself as one of the main sources of protein in the European diet and global poultry meat consumption is expected to grow by 21 TP3T per capita by 2032.

But it is also recognised worldwide for its high quality and efficient use of resources. Producers in the sector are aware of the importance of sustainability throughout the production chain, following the objectives of the European Commission's Farm to Fork Strategy. 

The European poultry sector is constantly seeking to improve its practices, establishing itself as a global model in food sustainability with strict EU regulations that guarantee resource conservation and animal welfare. 

In Spain, chicken meat is the most consumed fresh meat, with 557,900 tonnes in 2023, which represents an increase of 15% compared to the previous year.

A sustainable sector that they try to pressure with hoaxes 

Following these objective data on good practices in the European poultry sector, Avianza spokespeople wanted to delve deeper into the threats and the appearance of hoaxes and misinformation surrounding production systems and certifications promoted by animal rights groups and international pressure lobbies. 

Specifically, in relation to the initiative called European Chicken Commitment (ECC), under a pressure campaign for adherence to its own seal of animal welfare, in Spain coordinated by the Animal Welfare Observatory, which requires producers to eliminate breeding systems to focus only on the most expensive segment of products, derived from opting for lower breeding densities, the use of slow-growing strains and breeding in facilities with access to the outside. These measures would be the death knell for thousands of farmers in Spain, as well as an increase in costs that will impact on the ability of consumers to choose more affordable poultry meat. 

Its impact in logistical and economic terms is equally unaffordable (ADAS Report), something that animal rights organisations do not provide in a transparent manner to show the consequences of their demands. It is estimated that the implementation of the ECC would increase production costs by 21.9% per kg of poultry (from €2.74 to €3.34), an amount that could reach €22/kg in the case of breasts.

Furthermore, moving current production systems to ECC conditions would require 66.3% more farming space, which would be equivalent to the construction of around 9,692 new poultry houses, at an estimated cost of €8.24 billion. This scenario not only represents a huge financial effort for producers, but could also lead to a significant reduction in production in Europe, opening the door to greater dependence on imports from third countries, where regulations are much less strict.

“In addition to all these handicaps, there is the campaign of discredit and lies carried out by these organisations, providing supposed studies, clearly biased, with the sole aim of generating controversy and confusion among consumers and, ultimately, putting pressure on distribution companies, restaurant brands and poultry companies to join the private initiative of the ECC and continue financing these organisations” said Jordi Montfort, secretary of Avianza, adding that “what is really serious is that they call into question the advances of the sector in terms of sustainability and animal welfare, both European and Spanish, for a purely economic and ideological interest, and that they try to sell it to the consumer as an animalist act. The consumer deserves to have all the information” 

For his part, researcher Carlos Garcés, reaffirmed, through studies and contrasted data, that “producing poultry meat is producing the most sustainable meat in the world, it is the meat that has the greatest efficiency as a product because the poultry sector is the sector that has opted for technological improvements.” 

“Sustainable European Poultry Meat” Campaign

Avianza has been collaborating with the European Union for two years now on the “Sustainable European Poultry Meat” campaign, a project in which an intense dissemination effort is being carried out among consumers, educational institutions and research centres in our country. In this year, such relevant actions have been developed as: Sustainable Poultry Gastronomic Week at the Limbo Bernabéu Restaurant, seminars at universities for more than 5,000 students or the popular 10k race where more than 1,000 participants registered.  

Moment of the webinar with Josep Solé, president of Avianza and Jordi Montfort, general secretary.

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AVIANZA is part of the BIOTEGANIA project to improve animal health and livestock sustainability 

  • The initiative works on a comprehensive solution to control and prevent the transmission of diseases, optimize logistics and production processes and reduce environmental impact.l.
  • The BIOTEGANIA project was created to address the challenges and limitations of the agri-food sector through new technologies.
  • Funded by the CDTI and the State Research Agency of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of the Government of Spain, it has a consortium made up of seven companies and six research centers.

Livestock farming is a key activity to ensure that people have adequate access to the protein necessary to meet their nutritional needs. The pig and poultry sectors represent nearly 11% of Spanish GDP and employ more than 700,000 people.

Despite its importance, this sector faces multiple challenges and limitations such as the control of greenhouse gas emissions, nitrates and phosphorus, the need to restrict the use of antibiotics or the improvement of animal welfare. These are challenges that must inevitably be faced in order to achieve its goals. ensure the sustainability of production in an ethical and responsible manner.

To achieve this, it is essential to improve the overall health of animals and develop new technologies, methods and practices that make the sector more efficient, competitive and environmentally friendly, and which also takes into account the entire livestock value chain.

In this context, the BIOTEGANIA project was born, funded by the CDTI and the State Research Agency of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of the Government of Spain.

The initiative aims to develop a system that integrates different biotechnological, digital and artificial intelligence tools for the detection, prevention, control and treatment of emerging communicable diseases and for the optimization of logistics and production processes in the agri-food sector. In this way, through sensors and advanced diagnostics, the application of biosecurity and biocontainment, and phage therapy, the aim is to offer the food value chain a comprehensive solution, promoting significant environmental, social and economic benefits that will improve the competitiveness of livestock farming.

Social impact

The project will respond to two problems of great importance to society, such as: protection, welfare and sustainability of farm animals, and the safety of the food we consume.

On the one hand, it will contribute to improving animal health and welfare by reducing non-communicable diseases. At the same time, environmental issues will be addressed, promoting the ecological transition by reducing the impact of waste and the water and CO footprint.2 in livestock production.

Likewise, the initiative will help improve the quality and safety of the food we consume, reducing the potential transmission of zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial resistance through the consumption of contaminated food, which will help ensure food safety and protect consumer health.

This research and knowledge transfer project involves the collaboration between seven companies and six research centres. In the business field they participate Quartet SL of Jorge Group; Sanchez Romero Carvajal Jabugo SAU of the Osborne Group; Cobb Española SA of Cobb Group Europe; White AVICOLA SL from Grupo Oblanca; Vital Professional Services SERPROVIT SL; Animal Data Analytics ADA SL; and Exopol SLU. On the other hand, in the scientific-technological field it has the participation of the technological center AZTI (Basque Country), the Poultry Quality and Animal Feed Center of the Valencian Community (CECAV), the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), the Cardenal Herrera University (UCH-CEU), the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and the Polytechnic University of Valencia ((UPV). In addition, the project is supported by ANPROGAPOR (National Association of Pig Producers) and AVIANZA (Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat), which will promote the dissemination of the project's progress in both sectors and enhance the continuity of the project and the exploitation of its results.

Image resource from Avianza.

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Once again, the Birds of Spain are the stars of AVIANZA's Thanksgiving celebration

● The Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat has organized, one more year, the Thanksgiving dinner with chef Manu Berganza (Azotea Group) and the pairing of Bodegas Carmelo Rodero

● The event, which took place at the Cornamusa restaurant in Madrid, brought together prominent representatives of the agri-food sector, as well as journalists and influencers related to food, gastronomy and lifestyle.

● In addition, Aves de España will hold a raffle in collaboration with Taste of America - through their Instagram profiles - where 15 turkeys of Spanish origin and different classic American side dishes will be given away.

Madrid, November 27, 2024.- For the third consecutive year, Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, has celebrated the traditional Thanksgiving holiday with turkey and Spanish poultry as the main protagonists. For this, the chef chosen was Manu Berganza, who leads the kitchens of Azotea Grupo and prepared, at the Cornamusa restaurant (Madrid), a complete roast turkey menu with its traditional garnishes and also shared his carving technique with the attendees.


During this culinary event, which was attended by a large group of guests including representatives of the Spanish agri-food sector, journalists and renowned influencers in the gastronomic and lifestyle fields, Avianza continued to promote the consumption of poultry meat, in general, and turkey in particular, one of the most versatile and healthy options on the market. And of course, highlighting meat certified with the Aves de España seal, a distinction that certifies the Quality, Sustainability and Food Safety of the Spanish poultry product.


In addition, on this occasion, Avianza had the collaboration of Bodegas Carmelo Rodero, who created a perfect pairing to accompany the turkey. Its founder, Carmelo Rodero, and its technical director and oenologist, Beatriz Rodero, shared with the attendees the history of their company and the details of the wines of the evening: Carmelo Rodero Crianza 2022, Carmelo Rodero Raza 2021 and Carmelo Rodero TSM.


“It is a pleasure for us to continue promoting Thanksgiving, a holiday with such a beautiful connotation as gratitude and in which everything revolves around a turkey” says Jordi Montfort, Secretary General of Avianza, adding that “it is a celebration that allows us to continue giving value to the Poultry of Spain, to the work of thousands of farmers and professionals in a production chain that employs more than 40,000 people and is one of the three main producers of poultry meat in Europe. For all these reasons, combining this American tradition with a quality raw material such as the Spanish turkey seems to us to be the perfect combination.”

Turkey: symbol of celebration and versatility


Turkey has earned a prominent place on holiday tables thanks to its versatility, flavor and ability to bring people together around a special meal. It is an essential food in Christmas and Thanksgiving recipes, a holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, where stuffed turkey is the main dish.


Similarly, in the Christmas celebrations of many cultures, roast or stuffed turkey has become one of the most traditional recipes, consolidating its presence on the tables during these festivities.

Spanish turkey and American side dishes, the perfect combination


In addition to this Thanksgiving dinner, Avianza and Aves de España will be holding a raffle from Thanksgiving Day (November 28) until December 5 in collaboration with Taste of America, a company specializing in American products. 15 turkeys will be given away, as well as products to accompany them, such as pumpkin puree or the classic turkey stuffing with herbs and spices. The contest rules can be found on the Instagram profiles @avesdespana and @tasteofamericae.

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Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, celebrate it however you like, but always with Birds of Spain

We propose a very simple and tasty recipe to surprise your guests.


Thanksgiving It is a beloved tradition that we are already adopting in our country. This celebration, originating in American culture, becomes a great opportunity to be thankful, gather family members and share a special evening around a roast turkey.

In fact, there are many who already adapt this dinner and turn it into the so-called and fun Friendsgiving, where friends get together to celebrate and give thanks for their union and friendship.


He Thanksgiving It has gained prominence in recent years and there are already numerous emblematic restaurants that include special menus of Thanksgiving in our country, but, Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, wants to go a step further and promote this celebration also having a prominent place in homes.

The goal is for Spaniards to learn how to cook turkey, but always with the quality and safety that comes from doing so using Spanish poultry meat that is certified with Birds of Spain, a seal of quality awarded to those poultry products that have been audited and that follow the premises and controls based on Sustainability, Animal Welfare and Food Safety.


To achieve this goal, Birds of Spain has had the collaboration of the company specialized in American products, Taste of America, which shares a great recipe to celebrate Thanksgiving at home on November 28th, with the perfect combination of the Spanish touch of poultry and North American products for the accompaniment.


Ingredients:


● 1 whole turkey (5-7 kilos). Serves 10 people
● 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
● 4 fresh sprigs of thyme, rosemary or sage, or a combination of all of these
● 1 lemon, cut into quarters
● Salt
● Freshly ground black pepper
● 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth


Instructions:


● Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 30/60 minutes before roasting it
● Preheat the oven to 220ºC and leave only the bottom rack open
● Melt the butter in a saucepan, together with the herbs
● Spread the turkey generously with butter all over and season with salt and pepper, even under the skin, in some areas, so that it has contact with the meat
● Place the turkey in the roasting pan with the breast facing up. Remove the herb sprigs from the butter and place inside the turkey, along with the lemon.
● Pour 2 cups of broth into the pan and hold the wings under the turkey
● Place the turkey in the oven and lower the temperature to 180ºC
● The general rule is 27 minutes in the oven for every kilo. A 7 kilo turkey will take a little over 3 hours to roast. You can check the temperature with a thermometer to ensure progress. The meat should be at least 75ºC when finished.
● Every 30-45 minutes, baste the turkey with the butter and juices from the pan


Tips:


● For crispier skin, use a baking dish with a built-in rack so that the turkey meat is not in contact with the juices during roasting.
● You can place aluminum foil halfway through roasting if the skin burns.
● Tip to check if the turkey is cooked: gently pull on one wing. If it comes off easily, the turkey is done.


Taste of America recommends a selection of the most typical products to accompany the star dish of turkey on Thanksgiving day, or weekend, such as Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, snow peas or mashed sweet potatoes, as well as stuffing for the turkey, which can be found in their establishments: https://www.tasteofamerica.es/.

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Avianza held its first race “10K Madrid Runs for Sustainable Poultry Meat”

The Interprofessional organised this sporting event, part of the European campaign "European Poultry Meat: a sustainable choice", where a popular race and a family walk were held.


Madrid, October 16, 2024. Avianza, the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat, has successfully held the “10K Madrid Runs for Sustainable European Poultry Meat” race and the 3.5K family walk, which brought together hundreds of people not only to run, but also to enjoy a true celebration of sport, sustainability and a good atmosphere that ended with a succulent poultry meat tasting.


The good weather accompanied the runners who, from the Madrid esplanade of Puente del Rey, began a spectacular route through Madrid Río and Casa de Campo.


After finishing the race, participants were able to enjoy music, gifts, children's activities, masseurs and, above all, a spectacular menu featuring chicken skewers and poultry sausages, among others.


The fastest runners received prizes in sports equipment, with €100 for the winners, €75 for the runners-up and €50 for the third-placed runners in the male and female categories. All participants were entered into a draw for a €100 voucher for sports equipment.

This event is part of the EURSPO campaign, a programme promoted by poultry associations from France, Poland, Germany and Spain under the motto “European Poultry Meat: A Sustainable Choice”. Its aim is to raise consumer awareness about the sustainability of the European poultry sector and its commitment to a more environmentally friendly food system, with a particular emphasis on reducing food waste.

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The “Birds of Spain” certificate reaches supermarkets for the first time

With this presence on the shelves of Ahorramas supermarkets, Aves de España marks the beginning of its campaign to reach consumers and highlight the quality of the processes and food safety of poultry meat certified with the seal.

Spanish poultry is at its peak and both new poultry companies and more food chains are about to join the certification.

Madrid, October 8, 2024. The quality certificate BIRDS OF SPAIN (www.avesdeespana.es), promoted by Avianza (Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat) is already a reality on the shelves. The objective of Avianza is to progressively bring its promotion campaign to the establishments of the Distribution channel, as well as small businesses and butchers throughout Spain. Birds of Spain, with the aim of informing the consumer about the quality of Spanish poultry meat, which is produced under the premises Sustainability, Animal Welfare and Food Safety.

The first large retailer to join this initiative has been Ahorramas, a food distributor that already has poultry products identified with the “heart” of Aves de España on its shelves.

The objective of Avianza is to have a presence in the spaces dedicated to poultry meat, both in the area of Poultry shop as in the areas of Refrigerated, where the consumer can identify which products have the seal Birds of Spain thanks to the labelling provided for this purpose). Customers can also obtain all relevant information on the requirements that these meat products meet through a code bidi which redirects to the campaign website, where all the available information can be found.

For now, poultry products from such relevant companies as Avícola Hidalgo, Nutrave, Redondo and Grupo Vall Companys (through its subsidiaries Pondex and Avigal), officially certified with the seal Birds of Spain, are the pioneers that already have the labeling on the shelves. Soon, new companies that are already currently processing the certification will join, and will soon add this identifier in supermarkets. At the same time, other important supermarket chains will also join in the short term, giving space to Birds of Spain.

“For Avianza and the entire poultry sector, it is great news to be able to bring the quality of Spanish poultry meat to the consumer. And doing so in collaboration with a leading company synonymous with quality and commitment such as Ahorramas is a great satisfaction” says Jordi Montfort, Secretary General of Avianza, who adds that “this is the starting signal for an initiative that further strengthens the Spanish poultry sector, which certifies the quality of our products and, above all, which shows the unity of a sector in its commitment to differentiation”.

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 on its packaging. In addition, this logo has a QR code, which the consumer can scan and learn about all the safety, quality and animal welfare certifications of the product they are consuming.