The World Pork Expo is the world's largest pork industry-specific trade show, bringing together pork producers and industry professionals to promote education, innovation and networking.

During the event, Hamlet Protein shared the latest research data on nutrition and health challenges in piglets. It also hosted a seminar chaired by agriculture economist Joe Kerns who spoke on the pork industry in general and market outlook for the second half of 2021.

Grady Fain, regional director (NCA) at Hamlet Protein, said: "We are excited to be returning to a physical trade show and proud to be sponsoring the World Pork Expo. Hamlet Protein is an established brand in piglet nutrition as our unique protein solutions efficiently increase productivity through better health status and trouble-free weaning. The World Pork Expo provides us with a great opportunity to engage with our customers."

Global hog producers have had a challenging start to the year. Rising herd health challenges, higher feed costs and demand uncertainty due to the ongoing pandemic disruption have pressured margins, adding risk to global pork markets.

US hog prices have rebounded and are now at the highest level since 2014. Even though the second half of 2021 remains positive, ongoing herd health issues and high feed costs will affect herd growth over the balance of the year, according to Hamlet Protein. US domestic pork demand remains strong, whereas US pork export are trading lower than last year as shipments of China, Mexico and Japan are well below last year's levels. Expectations are that these levels will improve in H2 2021.

Erik Visser, chief executive officer of Hamlet Protein, said: "We have a strong growth ambition for the NCA region and particularly for the US. That is why we have invested in plant capacity, product development and local resources in the past twelve months. With travel restrictions being lifted, we can now return to face-to-face meetings and speak about exciting new research data and the introduction of a new product range based on functional fibers."