The fourth edition of VIV Russia took place on 26 to 28 May 2009 at the Crocus Exhibition Center in Moscow. Despite the deep recession, in which both the Russian livestock sector as the Russian economy is embedded (-5 per cent), VIV Russia 2009 welcomed 6,335 visitors, which is an increase of 14 per cent in comparison to 2008. The number of foreign visitors increased from 25 per cent to 30 per cent.

In total, 272 companies from 27 countries presented their equipment, technologies and innovations throughout the entire feed-to-meat chains for pigs, poultry and cattle.

"The increased number of visitors as well as the high quality of these visitors, together with the slightly increased size of this edition of VIV Russia, shows agribusiness in Russia remains an attractive industry. The demand for its products continues at quite a high level and the industry remains priority to the Federal Government," commented Wendy Voermans, Project Manager VIV Russia, VNU Exhibitions.

Part of the international companies exhibited in country pavilions. I.C.E. (Instituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero) from Italy represented Italian companies at VIV Russia 2009, the French companies were joined via branch organisation, Ubifrance. IFWexpo Heidelberg GmbH took care of the organization of the national German Pavilion with official support of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology of Germany as well as the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry, AUMA.

Alongside the exhibition, the second Meat Meeting was held focusing on the meat market strategy and the needs of Russia in primary products, meat products and feed ingredients. Leading international experts and the representatives of the executive and legislative bodies of Russia, associations, unions, and the market participants spoke about the most acute issues of the meat market: situation and prospects of the field amid the global financial crisis; commercial relations and the market structural changes; current issues of business management.

On 27 May, seminars and round-table discussions were held by the companies Techkorm. Munters, Elanco, Stailab, Piginfo.ru and Pigtek@Pig Equipment Group, as well as a break-out session entitled 'New refrigeration technologies and solutions for food industry', which took place in the framework of the exhibition business programme.

On 28 May, the National Turkey Association conducted the first seminar at VIV Russia and the topic was 'Potential and prospective development trends of the turkey-breeding in Russia'. The company, Schulnis, organised a short seminar at its stand with the title 'Pre-project preparation and planning, creation of the efficient agro-industrial complex enterprises'.

Exhibitors agreed that the quality of the visitors again was of a high standard. Following this, exhibitors have reaffirmed their confidence in the future aspects of the domestic animal protein industry by already expressing their desire to participate in the next VIV Russia 2011 taking place on 17 to 19 May in Moscow again.