In his opening speech, Rirksmai Sykhum from NCC, who co-host the exhibition with VNU, spoke of the growing confidence afoot in the Asian industry, anticipating it's development into the "kitchen of the world". Listening to the major industry players at the show who have also seen their businesses turn out strong growth and ever expanding opportunities, it's impossible not to see where this belief stems from.

The exhibition got off to a brisk start with an impressive attendance for day one, and the organisers are already expecting more than 22,000 visitors to this years exhibition. With over 580 exhibitors, up 10% on 2005, the confidence in the future is also reflected in current marketing spend, siphoning into the Asian markets at all levels.

Awards Ceremony

The launch also included an awards ceremony:

"The VIV Asian Poultry Person 2007 award went to the highly respected and popular Aziz Sacranie of Alltech for his work across Asia, building an improved understanding of poultry nutrition, aiding increased productivity and also efficiency.

"VIV Asian Breeder 2007 was awarded to Aviagen's Wy Chee Chiang. Wy Chee was well known in the Chinese-speaking world as 'Mr. Arbor Acres' before their acquisition by Aviagen. He now represents the Aviagen broiler brands across the region. Wy Chee is well regarded for his expertise in broiler breeding, and also for his ability and willingness to share his knowledge with others.

"The VIV Asia Pig Person of 2007 went to Prof Preeyaphan Udomprasert, whose veterinary expertise encompassing teaching, communicating and advising, has helped various pig producers across the region successful producers that they are today.

A New Focus

The exhibition has a new focus on aquaculture this year, with 50 companies exhibiting and an Aqua Technical Forum running throughout. It seems possible that VIV may be able to succeed where others haven't in bringing the aquaculture industry to a large scale livestock arena. We will not really know until we see these exhibitors back in greater numbers at VIV Asia 2009, but the signs are encouraging. If a strong technical agenda develops also, the rapidly growing aquacultural industry could be well served as a key part of the exhibitions future