U.S. looking to expand beef, poultry and dairy industries in Nicaragua
By Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados
To identify opportunities to increase corn and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) exports to Nicaragua, U.S. Grains Council staff in Latin America recently met with relevant beef and poultry producers and association executives in the the poultry, beef and dairy industries in the country.
The team held many meetings while in Nicaragua, including with four of the five largest beef producers, the beef exporters association (CANICARNE), the dairy producers association (CANISLAC), the poultry and feed producers association (ANAPA), two of the largest broiler producers and an egg producer.
The poultry sector, largely dominated by one regional player and a Nicaraguan player, has navigated through challenging conditions since 2018 when social unrest affected different lines of the economy. Unlike the beef sector, broiler and egg production is mainly for domestic consumption.
Highlights from these meetings included: hearing about the growth expectations of the beef producers and exporters for the coming years and the additional corn and potential DDGS demand it implies; understanding the commitment of beef producers to sustainable and environmentally friendly production practices; and unveiling new opportunities to market DDGS.
Moving forward, the Council will continue engaging and exploring opportunities to increase corn and DDGS usage across the beef, dairy and poultry industries in Nicaragua.
