Cobb-Vantress, Irvine’s Group open Cobb East Africa poultry genetics facility in Tanzania | Food Business Middle East & Africa - No. 1 Food & Beverage Formulation, Processing & Packaging Publication
TANZANIA – Cobb-Vantress, LLC and Irvine’s Group have officially launched Cobb East Africa Limited, a joint venture Grandparent poultry facility located in Naibili Village, Siha District in Tanzania’s. . .
TANZANIA – Cobb-Vantress, LLC and Irvine’s Group have officially launched Cobb East Africa Limited, a joint venture Grandparent poultry facility located in Naibili Village, Siha District in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Region, marking a new production base for poultry genetics within East Africa. The opening ceremony was attended by government representatives from Siha District, Tanzania’s Department of Veterinary Services, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, regional poultry producers, and senior executives from both companies. The facility combines Cobb-Vantress’s poultry genetics expertise with Irvine’s Group’s long-standing experience in African poultry distribution networks, positioning the project as a regional supply hub for breeding stock. Expansion of poultry genetics supply chain in AfricaThe Grandparent facility is designed to produce breeding stock for use in generating Parent Stock for poultry producers across Sub-Saharan Africa. Company officials said the project addresses long-standing reliance on imported breeding stock from outside the continent, which has contributed to longer lead times, higher logistics costs, and supply chain constraints. By establishing production within the region, the companies said poultry producers will benefit from improved supply reliability, shorter delivery times, and closer technical support services. Approximately 140 jobs have been created at the facility, with Tanzanian nationals accounting for 98% of the workforce, according to the company. Investment linked to rising regional poultry demandExecutives said East Africa is experiencing strong growth in poultry demand driven by population increases and rising consumption of affordable protein. The joint venture brings together Cobb-Vantress, founded in 1916 and recognised as a global poultry genetics company, and Irvine’s Group, its long-standing distributor operating across multiple African markets. Company leaders said the partnership strengthens supply security and enhances production capacity for fast-growing poultry markets across the region. Cobb-Vantress President Shelby Watkins said the investment supports food security, employment creation, and improved access to affordable protein. Irvine’s Group CEO Craig Irvine said the project reflects decades of collaboration in African poultry markets and builds on long-standing distribution networks across the continent. Local officials said the facility is expected to contribute to economic development, skills transfer, and improved agricultural productivity in the region as it begins operations. Sign upHEREto receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on ourWhatsApp channelfor updates.