Page 16 - AWA Vol.41-No.2

POULTRY

UVESA Group, a pioneer in Spain in the automation of

the sexing of chickens

VESA Group has strengthened its commitment to the latest
Utechnology in the service of quality and safety in their pro-
duction with the incorporation in its hatchery in Tudela, a proto-
type of automatic sexing for the process of raising chickens. The
gender classification system GENESYS, a pioneer in its sector in
Spain, is developed by the company CEVA, a regular collaborator
of UVESA Group operations in different areas such as immunol-
ogy, incubation, vaccination, staff training, etc..
In this way, the company increases the efficiency and productiv-
ity of its hatchery, to significantly reduce the margin of error in
the sex classification of day-old chicks and maintain, at all times,
a constant speed in the process, something that was not possible
before. Also, with this bet UVESA solves the problem of special-
ization that this type of task requires, and that in recent years has
greatly complicated the search and incorporation of truly quali- The hatchery in Tudela started its activity in 2016 and is the larg-
fied personnel for these processes. est of the group, with a capacity of 1.3 million eggs per week. For
The prototype designed by CEVA also contributes to improving UVESA, the development of this project, a pioneer in Spain, and
the company’s production by increasing the sexing capacity, given the start-up of the prototype automated sexing machine in Tudela
that, although initially 40% of the chickens are sexed, this percent- is a further step that confirms the company’s commitment to in-
age can now be easily increased according to the existing needs novation which, in this case, translates directly into significant im-
thanks to the automation introduced. In fact, the rearing of chick- provements in quality and food safety in a key process of its pro-
ens separated by sex allows for greater uniformity in their sizes, duction, which will undoubtedly become another differentiating
which results in optimisations in subsequent processes (cutting, element for its customers.
packaging, etc.). For Raul Gomez, CEO of UVESA Group, ‘automation is a step in
But, in addition, the sexing process, which now UVESA automates our strategy. We must adapt our production to market demands
and strengthens, also improves feed efficiency, being adapted to and this increasingly requires more calibrated products. That
each gender, since they have different nutritional needs (energy, is, we have to be efficient from the start of production to get the
amino acid levels …), which in turn generates improvements in best product for the customer. And, of course, we have to be more
the field of sustainability, derived from an optimization in the con- sustainable, energy-efficient, welfare-friendly and very people-
sumption of nutrients. focused. Circle 19 on enquiry card

Plukon Food Group acquires 100% of the shares in the

Spanish company, Grupo Avícola Hidalgo

Plukon Food Group B.V. (Plukon) has in Spain. With its strategically located
reached anagreement for the 100% ac- production facilities close to key cus-
quisition of Grupo Avícola Hidalgo, a tomers and suppliers, Grupo Avícola
landmark company in the Spanish poul- Hidalgo ensures efficient logistics and
try industry, with production facilities in a consistent supply of top-quality fresh
the provinces of Madrid, Valladolid and products. This acquisition strengthens
Toledo. Plukon’s position in the Spanish market deliver exceptional value to our custom-
Grupo Avícola Hidalgo is a family- and aligns with its strategy to deliver ers.”
owned company with over 60 years premium poultry products across Eu- Gregorio and Pelayo Hidalgo, Co-
of experience in the poultry sector in rope. CEOs Grupo Avícola Hidalgo: “We are
Spain. From its beginnings as a local Kees Kraijenoord, CEO Plukon Food confident that joining the Plukon Food
distributor in the “Sierra Norte de Ma- Group: “We are proud to welcome Gru- Group marks an exciting new chap-
drid”, the Group has been focused on po Avícola Hidalgo to the Plukon family. ter for Grupo Avícola Hidalgo. Plukon
product and service quality and has Grupo Avícola Hidalgo and VMR Spain shares our dedication to quality and in-
grown organically to become one of the (member of the Plukon Food Group
main poultry companies in the Spanish since 2020), have a track record for co- novation, and we are proud to entrust the
market, integrated from hatchery to the operation through their former joint- future of our company to such a strong
sale of the product to clients in all chan- venture (today 100% owned by Grupo and experienced partner. Together, we
nels, particularly modern retail. Grupo Avícola Hidalgo) Iberoelaborados, fo- look forward to building on Hidalgo’s
Avícola Hidalgo employs more than 400 cused on the production of convenience legacy and driving further growth and
people, and generated revenues slightly value added products. This acquisition success for our employees, customers,
above EUR 100 Mn in 2024. and stakeholders.” The management
strengthens our position in Spain and team of Grupo Avícola Hidalgo, includ-
Grupo Avícola Hidalgo specializes aligns with our strategy to become a ing some members of the Hidalgo fam-
in high-quality fresh and value-added leading player in Europe’s poultry mar- ily, will continue collaborating with Plu-
poultry products. The company supplies ket. Hidalgo’s strong reputation, inte- kon after closing of the transaction.
a diversified customer base, including grated operations, and premium prod-
retail, B2B, and foodservice companies ucts will help us accelerate growth and Circle 20 on enquiry card
14 Vol. 41 No. 2