In recent years, the Russian meat processing industry has not only shown significant dynamics in the volume of meat and meat products produced but also demonstrated remarkable growth and potential for the future.

Julia, we know that DairyTech 2025 will showcase equipment and technologies for meat processing. Please tell us more about it.

We have decided to introduce a new exhibition sector at DairyTech 2025, dedicated to "Equipment and Technologies for Meat Processing". We call this a new product sector, but in the history of DairyTech, equipment for the meat processing industry has been presented since 2019. Back then, the exhibition was called Dairy and Meat Industry. This is not surprising as meat and dairy are two related food processing industries.

Why the decision to reassemble the exhibition?

There are many reasons.

Firstly, we have listened to the needs of our current DairyTech participants. Many of them produce equipment not only for dairy but also for meat production. For example, companies that have already confirmed their participation in DairyTech 2025 include Makhachkala Machine Building Plant of Separators, NEOS INGREDIENTS, OMEGA, PROFITEX, ProfHold, Sild Air Kaustik, Tavrusmet, Ulma Packaging. These companies either manufacture equipment or packaging or develop technologies for both the dairy and meat industries. We want to allow our exhibitors to present in both areas, and this is our way of responding to what exhibitors need and want.

Secondly, there are many factories and agro-industrial complexes whose representatives come to DairyTech as visitors. They produce and process not only milk but also meat. For example, representatives of more than 50 meat production companies came to DairyTech 2024 in search of new solutions for their companies. These included AGROSILA, Zapovednye (ex-Dmitrovskie Sausages), KOMOS GROUP, Lipetskoye Meat, RUZKOM, Rusagro, Russkoe Pole and many others. This once again underlines the close links between the industries. We already have an audience of exhibitors and visitors who are part of this interconnected community. And, of course, we have experience in dealing with this audience.

Thirdly, Rosstat reported a 3.0% increase in the number of pigs to 29.7 million heads and a 2.5% increase in the number of poultry to 575.7 million heads at the end of June 2024. In the first half of the year, 7.8 million tonnes of livestock and poultry live weight were produced. Meat sales also increased, reaching 6.8 million tonnes. This growth in livestock production reflects the increased demand for local meat products. It demonstrates the development of the meat processing market in Russia, which also underlines the importance of showcasing this sector at the exhibition.

Finally and fourthly, the DairyTech exhibition will showcase the entire process of producing food products from raw materials obtained from the livestock industry by showcasing milk processing equipment and meat production equipment at the event. We have also moved to a larger hall at the Crocus Expo IEC in 2025. Previously located in Hall 4, Pavilion 1, the exhibition will now be in the larger Hall 14, Pavilion 3.

- And how is the new exhibition area coming along?

We are actively developing the exhibition. We have special participation conditions and a package of additional marketing support for participants in the new exhibition sector so that companies can make their mark on the Russian and CIS markets as loudly as possible.

In addition, we are already working with industry partners, associations, and trade unions, building new relationships with some and renewing old ones with others. We are also working to gain the support of government bodies.

Of course, all manufacturers of equipment and finished packaging for the meat industry, as well as technology developers, are invited to participate with a stand. For new exhibitors, the DairyTech exhibition is an opportunity to introduce potential customers to products such as:

• Packaging equipment for meat products;
• Ready-made packaging for meat products;
• Storage equipment
• Chopping and slicing equipment
• Equipment for the production of minced meat;
• Filling and clipping equipment
• Heat treatment equipment
• Equipment for the production of semi-finished products;
• Ingredients for meat producers
• Technological solutions and complete lines;
• Accessories, consumables, and detergents.

We are also organizing a conference for meat processing professionals to support the new exhibition sector. Stay tuned for more information on this conference.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite equipment manufacturers and suppliers, technology developers, and service companies to participate in the new exhibition sector at DairyTech 2025 focusing on "Equipment and Technologies for Meat Processing"

DairyTech 2025 will take place from 21-23 January at Crocus Expo IEC, Pavilion 3, Hall 14.