Joyfully and proudly reviewing the Plan A
In retrospect of an outstanding, successful and inspiring event, we´d like to sum up the central statements, the core essences of the Performing Nature Symposium 2014, hosted in Thailand.
Bangkok proved as the ideal location for this conference, featuring more than 350 guests, including customers, distributors, leading scientists, economists and industry leaders of the global feed sector.
Asia has not only been representing a home market for Delacon for more than 25 years, holding experienced core competence in dealing with phytogenic substances, moreover it shows high acceptance and knowledge of phytogenics in medicine, food and drinks on consumer side through culture and tradition.
The PNS touched on today´s upcoming challenges of the feed and food sector, as the entire global industry is being accused by the media and hence, the public opinion on consumer side with pressing issues such as animal welfare, environmental impacts due to intensive animal production, threatening existence of small scale farmers and health aspects in food facing residues in meat. Consequently, there might one question arise: "Who is driving the global feed market"?
The Consumer is the new CEO!
It is definitely the consumer, whose behavior influences a whole industry. Shoppers want to know much more in detail about where their food comes from. Moreover, people are of the opinion that food companies even should know "exactly" where EVERY ingredient comes from. Traceability and transparency in the supply chain represent important tools to underpin the build-up of trust with all stakeholders. In this case, speed of social media communication appears to be both - a blessing and a curse - but, irrespective a game changer too.
However, as the pressure of consumers is rising despite not having a clear picture of animal production, it is to us, the industry, to develop a clear picture. Strong activism groups occurring in the web are driving and shaping public opinion. Probably not being well involved in agricultural topics but obviously knowing their craft.
Possible future Developments
Due to these upcoming agitations and to avoid the circulation of blurred pictures, we have to provide transparency by developing an objective approach towards animal husbandry for the public.
When forecasting to 2020, there probably will be a worldwide ban on antibiotic growth promoters, bringing along changes especially for the pharmaceutical industry and the feed sector. There will be the need to go for alternatives, to develop sophisticated and cost efficient products with targeted effects and high efficacy. More than ever we will have to focus on animal health, as this is the key to high performance. At the same time, animal production faces and will have to face fundamental problems like the increasing raw material prize.
Sustainability - a regional Issue
The definition of "sustainability" varies depending on country, culture and economic situation. For example, in Asia sustainability means to feed people and is threatened by the rising population and the decreasing raw materials. Other than in Europe, where topics like animal welfare and food safety are important regarding sustainability.
Balance in the Feed and Food Sector is of great Importance
On the one hand we have market troubles influencing prices, such as raw materials and diseases, which in further consequence also affect efficiency. On the other hand, we have market expectations and consumer demands especially regarding safety that influence the feed and food sector alike. Unfortunately, if we only comprise one side, either the industry or the consumer - hence the planet - will suffer.
These facts expressly underline that there is only one Plan for this world. One plan that has to be in balance between efficiency (e.g. costs) and safety (e.g. animal welfare, consumer). This is what we call the Plan A, as there is no backup plan in how to deal with these mentioned issues on our planet - there is no plan B.
The Plan A - Challenges of Safety and Efficiency meet Phytogenic Feed Additives
Therefore, the Plan A that centered the symposium this time, is of utmost importance to the feed industry, as to us, it means:
- Safe and consumer-friendly products
- Minimal environmental footprint
- High growth and scalability potential
- Social acceptance and support
- Efficiency and profitability
Now, at this point and when looking at phytogenics as a technology platform for the Plan A, it becomes apparent that phytogenic products fulfill many of the just mentioned requirements, as they are both: efficient AND safe!
Plan A and the Business
Efficient nutrition of livestock due to the supplementation of PFAs hence improved performance naturally lead to increased margin per animal. Above, business is always interested in improvements of image and reputation, as a positive leadership will drive consumers to follow, and consumers again form the public opinion. Finally there is no doubt that excellence makes attractive. A matter of fact that is proven by world leading food companies that favor to buy from 'Plan A' business, as thereby their demands for sustainability, safety and efficiency are met.
DELACON has been the unchallenged market leader of phytogenic feed additives for many years by highly investing in R&D and thus, providing the most efficient and proven natural products. We do not only offer 'bags' with precious content, much more we offer excellent products, resulting from latest technology applied and constantly improved and developed by a first class network of professionals. It is the solution-oriented, tailored service that makes the difference - out of our conviction.
The whole trick will be to having the world to pull in the same direction while keeping the balance of efficiency and safety. We have the tools to face a sustainable and environmentally friendlier though profitable animal production that also considers consumers´ demand for safe products and increased animal welfare - the challenge now is to apply these tools properly. The Plan A leads the way, now it´s on us to follow.
Click here to open the online version of our Performing Nature Symposium magazine!
