2018 World Pork Expo Showcases Everything Pig Innovation, education and networking round out the expansive offerings, June 6-8.
DES MOINES, Iowa, May 30, 2018 — A record-setting trade show, expanded seminar lineup, elite swine shows, and an abundance of delicious pork are all part of the 2018 World Pork Expo, June 6-8, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) since 1987, Expo has become the must-see event for anyone involved in the U.S. or global pork business.
“As we mark 30 years of Expo, it’s exciting to see how the event has evolved and grown,” says Jim Heimerl, 
NPPC president and producer from Johnstown, Ohio. “It not only reflects the vibrancy of the U.S. pork industry, but also the connectedness of the global marketplace. For anyone involved in pork production, Expo is a wonderful opportunity to discover new technologies, exchange ideas and plan for the future.”
Organizers expect approximately 20,000 producers, employees, industry specialists and other pork professionals, including 1,000 international visitors, to participate in Expo’s three days.
More products, more companies, more exhibits
From the beginning, Expo has featured the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, but this year, it’s even bigger. New to Expo, the Jacobson Exhibition Center (JEC) will join the Varied Industries building to display products, services and technologies from more than 500 U.S. and international companies.
“This will be our biggest trade show ever,” says Doug Fricke, Expo director of trade show marketing for NPPC. 
“Adding JEC and the expanded space also allows for bigger and more elaborate displays; companies are really rolling out the red carpet. All aspects of pork production, from the ground up, will be represented within the trade show.”
Visitors also will find more outdoor exhibits throughout the fairgrounds. On display around the swine, sheep and cattle barns will be products and services associated with live-hog shows. In all, Fricke estimates Expo’s trade show will exceed 360,000 square feet, making it more than 40,000 square feet larger than in 2017.
This year’s expansion extends to the hospitality tents, which will increase from 52 to 60, giving allied industry and producers more opportunities for one-on-one interaction.
Trade show doors will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, and Thursday, June 7, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 8.
Live-hog shows and youth educational events
The World Pork Expo Junior National is another event that continues to grow and draw participants from across the nation. This premier youth live-hog exhibition begins on Monday, June 4. In addition to show ring competition, the event includes judging contests, certification programs, Skillathon and other educational activities.
Hosted by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred, this year’s Junior National has set another record with 1,450 youth from 34 states entered to participate. That compares to 1,050 exhibitors from 32 states in 2017. The final hog numbers won’t be determined until the actual event but are expected to exceed the 2,500 pigs exhibited last year.
Also taking place in the swine barn on Friday, June 8, is the open show, presented by the National Swine Registry, Certified Pedigree Swine and American Berkshire Association. Divisions include Berkshire, Chester White, Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace, Poland China, Spotted, Yorkshire and crossbred breeding swine, with a sale on Saturday morning, June 9.
Free seminars and entertainment
Educational opportunities have long been a centerpiece of Expo. This year, a record 20 seminars are on the schedule for Wednesday, June 6, and Thursday, June 7. Throughout both days, experts will present the latest innovations and insights into pork production and management at the PORK Academy and Business Seminars. Pork producers, their employees and other pork professionals will have access to experts on a wide range of topics, including sow productivity, water quality and manure management, antibiotic use and resistance, optimizing piglet growth, export and domestic pork marketing strategies, and much more.
MusicFest lights up the stage on Thursday, June 7, from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. Presented by NPPC, Expo visitors can enjoy a summer evening with the free concert and lots of grilled pork. First up will be the R&B and classic country sounds of Josh Hoyer, a Nebraska native and contestant on season 12 of The Voice. Headlining the evening is The Big Noise, led by Cactus Moser, a musically adventurous group that has recorded and toured with Wynonna Judd over the past five years.
The Big Grill, another long-time Expo staple, will serve free pork lunches from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. all three days of the show. Manned by Iowa pork producers and industry personnel, the Big Grill dishes up an estimated 10,000 pork lunches each year.
Don't miss out
The final countdown to the 2018 World Pork Expo is underway, but there’s still time to make plans to attend.
“If you haven’t been to Expo in a while, this is the year to make a return trip. You’ll be amazed to see how much
it’s changed,” says Heimerl. “Expo is a great place to discover what’s new, as well as learn and compare what you will need for your business in the years to come.”
Online registration is available until 5 p.m. CST on May 31. The pre-Expo registration fee is $10 for adults and children 12 years and older, $1 for children ages 6 to 11, and no charge for children 5 years and younger. Onsite registration takes place at Gate 15, with an entrance fee of $20 per adult and $3 for children ages 6 to 11 years. In all cases, the price includes entry for all three days of Expo. A special rate of $10 is available for adults arriving on Friday.
For all the latest updates and details to plan your visit, including room availability at official World Pork Expo hotels, maps and exhibitors, go to Expo’s website. Also connect with Expo by following us on Twitter and Facebook and tagging your posts with the hashtag #WPX18.
Be sure to download the World Pork Expo app, available on Google Play and the Apple store. It will help you navigate the fairgrounds, identify exhibitors that you want to visit and keep you on schedule.
The 30th World Pork Expo has something for everyone, so don’t miss out on everything pig, June 6-8 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
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World Pork Expo, the world's largest pork-specific trade show, is brought to you by NPPC. On behalf of its members, NPPC develops and defends export markets, fights for reasonable legislation and regulation, and informs and educates legislators. For more information, visit nppc.org.
PepsiCo incubator to return for second year
Food and beverage giant PepsiCo has announced that its Nutrition Greenhouse incubator programme is to return for a second year.
The initiative, designed to discover and nurture breakthrough brands in the sector, will see up to ten nutrition-focused start-ups benefit from a share of EUR300,000 (US$353,441) grant and prize money.
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PepsiCo incubator - back for a second year. |
PepsiCo said it is seeking to identify up to ten emerging brands in the nutrition space with products aimed at European consumers.
The selected companies - currently delivering sales of EUR5m or less - will receive EUR20,000 in funding as well as the opportunity to work alongside executives from some of PepsiCo's brands including Quaker, Alvalle, Sunbites and Tropicana.
The entrepreneurs selected will benefit from a six-month mentorship programme, featuring one-on-one pairing with PepsiCo executives.
It will address critical early-stage business issues such as business planning, corporate structuring and fundraising. Guidance on brand optimization, product development, supply chain management, customer acquisition and distribution is also likely to feature.
At the end of the programme, one winning company will be awarded a EUR100,000 prize to continue its expansion.
The PepsiCo Nutrition Greenhouse programme was first launched in 2017. It saw eight companies achieve estimated combined growth of more than EUR10m - a fourfold increase in sales over its duration.
Year two will include a broader focus on nutrition beyond health and wellness, towards brands that tap into key lifestyle trends, enable personal performance or are purpose-driven.
Juan Ignacio Amat, vice president nutrition for PepsiCo Western Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, said: "Our overarching goal remains the same - to partner with the best and brightest food and beverage entrepreneurs in Europe and give them the opportunity to bring their products to the world on a global scale.
"The start-up class of 2017 set an exciting and inspiring precedent for this year's programme, with strong growth seen across all eight companies.
"At PepsiCo, we recognise the important opportunity we have to nurture the nutrition brands of the future and shape the direction of our industry, as part of our Performance with Purpose vision."
NutraIngredients Awards 2018 – And the finalists are…
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Zambian President Lungu officially opens Agritech Expo Zambia next week as ZNFU celebrates 5th edition of iconic event ZNFU President: “Let us have a fresh start.”
The Zambian President, H.E. Edgar Lungu, will attend the official opening of the Agritech Expo Zambia outdoor farming exhibition that returns for the fifth time to Chisamba from 12-14 April. The event is expected to attract more than 22-thousand visitors this year and will feature some 270 local and international agri equipment and services suppliers. The theme of the President’s address during the opening ceremony on Friday, 13 April, will be: “Resilience part of Zambian nature: Applauding every step forward towards the modernisation of Zambian agriculture”. Mr Lungu will be joined by the Hon. Kampamba Mulenga, Zambia’s Minister of Fisheries and Livestock as well as the Hon. Michael Katambo, Minister in Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture.
Marshall Plan for agriculture
Meanwhile, Mr Jervis Zimba, President of the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) and the owners of Agritech Expo Zambia, says while farmers have been through a difficult period recently “it is time to put the challenges behind us and have a fresh start.”
He adds: “the ZNFU is in the process of producing a Marshall Plan for short term, medium term and long term agricultural plans that, if adopted, could help propel the sector to a whole new level. As ZNFU, we have an open-door policy and are open to discussions. We would like to share our ideas and plans with government and other stakeholders, and hence platforms likeAgritech Expo.”
Mr Zimba says farmers have already set the tone for the approach in agriculture development “with many taking the diversification case very religiously. We are seeing a shift in the way farmers are conducting business. Many are venturing into fruits and vegetables. There are some farmers that have started growing blueberries, macadamia nuts and such other cash crops. These need support by giving them incentives that would yield growth. They could be helped in the form of tax incentives. And look, the blueberry producer is expected to create 6000 jobs. Such developments need incentivising.”
He continues: “we have to grow agriculture. This year’s Agritech Expo would avail the latest technologies and agro innovations and machinery that would help the farmer pick up the pieces and start on a fresh agro-trajectory.”
The full interview with the ZNFU President can be read here: http://www.agritech-expo.com/ZNFU-2018-interview
OFFICIAL OPENING PROGRAMME at Agritech Expo Zambia, Friday 13 April, ZNFU Marquee, GART, Chisamba
11h00: National anthem of Zambia: ‘Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free’, Performed by the Golden Valley School Choir, Zambia
11h05: Welcome remarks: Ashok Oza, Chairman, The Farmers Expo Board, Zambia
11h10: A match built on synergy and vision: Continuing the progress to Zambian Agriculture
Ellah Chembe, Acting Executive Director, Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU), Zambia
11h15: Welcome address: To fresh starts
Jervis Zimba, President, Zambia National Farmers Union , Zambia
11h20: Ministerial remarks: The progression of Zambia’s Fisheries and Livestock sector
Hon. Kampamba Mulenga, Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Republic of Zambia*
11h30: Ministerial remarks and calling upon the Head of State
Hon. Michael Katambo, Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Zambia
11h45: Guest of honour address: Resilience part of Zambian nature: Applauding every step forward towards the modernisation of Zambian agriculture
H.E. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of Republic of Zambia
12h15: VIP expo tour led by Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) and Spintelligent
Industry support
The multi-award winning Agritech Expo Zambia returns to GART in Chisamba will also welcome international and country pavilions from the Czech Republic, the EU, Finland, Germany, the UK and Zimbabwe. Agritech Expo Zambia is free to attend for all visitors that pre-register.
As in previous years, Agritech Expo enjoys extensive support from the agri industry with well-known suppliers AFGRI and John Deere returning as platinum sponsors once again. Confirmed gold sponsors are SARO and Ursus.
Agritech Expo Zambia is owned by the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) and is organised by Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK. Another well-known agri event by Spintelligent is Farm-Tech Expo Kenya. Other landmark events by Spintelligent are African Utility Week, Future Energy East Africa, Future Energy Nigeria, DRC Mining Week, Nigeria Mining Week and Mining Baraza in Nairobi.
Agritech Expo Zambia 2018:
Pre-event press conference:
Monday, 9 April, 08h00, Protea Hotel, Lusaka
Farmers Preview Day:
Thursday 12 April 2018 | 09:00 - 17:00
Open to all agricultural professionals:
Friday 13 April 2018 | 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 14 April 2018 | 09:00 - 15:00
Location: Gart Research Centre, Chisamba, Zambia
Website: http://www.agritech-expo.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Agritech_Expo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agritechexpozambia/
SSF Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/635862666442657/members/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7477169
Media accreditation:
Senior communications manager: Annemarie Roodbol
Mobile: +27 82 562 7844
Office: +27 21 700 3558
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." rel=" noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Don't Miss the 2018 World Pork Expo
The home of all things pork and everything pig is back, and to celebrate its 30th year, it's bigger and better than ever. More than 20,000 producers and ag professionals attended the 2017 Expo, including approximately 1,000 international guests from 40 countries. There's no better place to gather story ideas and updates on pork production than the world's largest pork-specific trade show, with more than 360,000 square feet of exhibits showcasing products, services and technologies from around the world. Come for the pork. Stay for the industry's best education, networking and innovation.
Exciting changes are coming to the 30th World Pork Expo, June 6-8, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. Be on the lookout for more media updates ahead.
Register Now for Exclusive Media Access
Register for your media credentials online now. You'll receive an email confirming your registration. Check the status of your registration anytime by sending us an email.
Help Your Readers, Viewers and Listeners Save on Registration
Help us get the word out to pork producers — now through May 31, attendees can save 50 percent off the price of admission. That's a discounted rate of $10 for a three-day pass. Producers can take advantage of these savings at worldpork.org.
Book Your Room Now
It's never too early to make your travel plans. We make it easy. Visit our website to access a list of official Expo hotels and transportation options in and around the Des Moines area.
Covering the Story? We Can Help.
From b-roll and photos to ready-to-use logos, we have the assets you need to tell a compelling story. Get started today at our online Media Center. Looking for a specific photo? Want more details about an event? Need help lining up an interview before, during or after Expo? Contact our This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." rel=" noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">media-relations team — we're here to help.
Pork. Pork. & More Pork.
Presented by the National Pork Producers Council, World Pork Expo is the go-to event for educational seminars, networking opportunities, the latest product information, and plenty of delicious pork.
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