The 54th edition of the fair dedicated to the entire poultry supply chain was presented in Rome, and will take place from May 6–8, 2025, at the Rimini Expo Centre.
Incoming projects and international missions to attract buyers and visitors from abroad, conferences and in-depth discussions on animal welfare, food safety, and innovation. Exhibition space increases, with 160 exhibitors of which 27% are from abroad.
Rome (April 3, 2025) – The 54th edition of FierAvicola, the fair dedicated to the poultry sector, was presented today, April 3rd, in Rome alongside Macfrut, the global fruit and vegetable fair.
Both fairs are scheduled to take place at the Rimini Expo Centre from May 6–8, 2025 (Tuesday to Thursday). The biennial FierAvicola event is organized by Fieravicola and Assoavi and aims to foster the sector's growth through business opportunities, strengthening networking with an exclusive free B2B service for exhibitors and buyers on a dedicated platform, and expanding knowledge through high-quality conference programming.
Three days to discover sector innovations, build institutional relations, and delve into themes, trends, and future strategies with key poultry industry players—especially as the entire supply chain faces a constantly evolving scenario.
For the 2025 edition, the exhibition space will increase by 10% compared to 2023, occupying 3 halls with 160 exhibitors, 27% of whom are international.
Increasingly International Networking
A major effort has been made toward internationalization to attract foreign buyers and visitors. The “Fieravicola Business Club” initiative promotes Italian companies abroad by facilitating meetings with key stakeholders.
Incoming projects were developed in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), and two promotional missions were carried out in strategic areas: in Senegal last December for West Africa, and in Azerbaijan in February for Central Asia.
These two countries have recorded double-digit growth rates in the poultry sector and serve as development drivers for their respective regions. With Italian exhibiting companies in tow, great interest was shown in both FierAvicola and the technologies Italian companies can offer. Thanks to collaborations with diplomatic institutions (consulates and embassies), foreign trade organizations (ICE, Assafrica), and academia (University of Bologna), strong participation from international visitors and buyers is expected.
Conferences and Meetings on Animal Welfare, Food Safety, and Sustainability
The three-day FierAvicola event (Rimini Expo Centre, May 6–8) will be an opportunity to explore and discuss the main topics of interest for a supply chain facing deep changes, including regulatory shifts and an increasing focus on sustainability.
On the first day, May 6, following the opening with the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry, Hon. Francesco Lollobrigida, the conference sessions begin at 3:00 PM with a roundtable moderated by journalist Silvia Marzialetti and introduced by Alessio Mammi, Agriculture Councillor for Emilia-Romagna.
The roundtable, titled "Animal welfare, efficiency, and environmental respect: what will poultry farming look like in the future?", will include contributions from:
Romano Marabelli, Advisor to the Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
Andrea Gavinelli, Head of Unit, DG SANTE on Animal Welfare
Gian Luca Bagnara, President of Assoavi
Luigi Ricci, Director of ISPRA
Giovanni Filippini, Director General of Animal Health
Giuseppe Blasi, Head of Department for EU and International Policies and Rural Development
Closing remarks by Senator Patrizio La Pietra, Undersecretary of MASAF
On Wednesday, May 7, focused sessions will explore animal health and welfare in the morning, and food safety in the afternoon. Topics include avian influenza, salmonella, and shared strategy management. In the afternoon, a session will address innovation with a focus on the current status of in-ovo sexing, a rising concern aimed at ending the culling of male chicks.
There will also be three days of B2B meetings. The digital Business Matching platform, active since early April, will allow potential buyers and clients to align their needs with what exhibitors offer and to schedule appointments ahead of the fair.
On the final day, Thursday, May 8, selected buyers will visit the exhibitors’ company locations directly.
Statements
"The synergy between FierAvicola and Macfrut creates a unique agrifood hub, attractive not only for Italian and European operators but also for stakeholders from the Mediterranean and Africa, who need to produce more with fewer resources," says Renzo Piraccini, President of FierAvicola.
"A supply chain fair is a great opportunity to experience sector innovations firsthand and exchange strategies."
Stefano Gagliardi, Director of Assoavi, adds:
"FierAvicola again proves itself to be a specialized showcase representing the entire poultry supply chain, including segments from feed to genetics, processing and packaging technologies and equipment, logistics, livestock farming tools, and environmental sustainability solutions. On top of that, there's collaboration with the scientific community. Let's not forget that one key to our sector's excellence is the close link between the production world, universities, and research."
The Poultry Sector
Poultry farming is a highly integrated supply chain extending from feed mills to supermarket shelves. According to ISMEA, the agricultural production value of poultry meat amounts to €3.56 billion and that of eggs to €2.2 billion. Industrial revenue has reached €8 billion.
Poultry Meat – Farms are concentrated in the north, with 80% of the roughly 147 million domestic birds raised in just three regions: Lombardy, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna, which account for nearly two-thirds of the national flock.
Italy contributes 10% of Europe's poultry meat production and ranks 5th in the EU. Poultry remains the most consumed meat (39% by volume). Over 440,000 tons were sold in retail channels, with a value exceeding €3.3 billion.
It’s the only national meat production with a self-sufficiency rate over 100% (approx. 106%). Prices began to recover in the second half of last year after sanitary issues impacted production. While a slight decline occurred in December, prices started to rise again from February.
Eggs – Over 43 million laying hens are kept in more than 1,450 professional farms (each with over 1,000 birds). Egg production exceeds 12 billion units, or about 783,000 tons. Italy remains the 4th largest producer in Europe, with average per capita consumption at 215 eggs per year.
The self-sufficiency rate reaches 99%. Egg demand is consistent year-round, and eggs remain the most requested animal protein product.
In 2024, the egg market was in deficit compared to the same period in 2023 up until August. Since then, demand has steadily risen while supply remains scarce continent-wide and prices continue to climb, even from already high levels.
