HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Aviagen^® is pleased to announce the next step in a long-standing collaboration with valued Ross^® distributor Nippon Chunky, a subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation’s Food and Agribusiness division in Japan. For nearly 60 years, Nippon Chunky has been the exclusive provider of Aviagen’s Ross brand of broiler breeding stock in Japan and is an established and respected presence in the country’s poultry industry.

Effective July 1, 2026, Aviagen has acquired a 66% controlling interest in Nippon Chunky, reinforcing the close ties between the two companies and supporting the ongoing development of Japan’s poultry sector. Marubeni will remain a 34% shareholder and continue to participate actively in the management of the business. As part of Aviagen Asia, Nippon Chunky will continue operating under its existing leadership and identity.

The investment reflects decades of close collaboration and mutual respect between the companies and their focus on supporting poultry producers, advancing innovation and promoting sustainability and animal welfare.

“Nippon Chunky has earned an excellent reputation through its dedication to customers, deep local relationships, and industry knowledge. Over many years, they have played an important role in the development of the Ross brand in Japan. We look forward to building on that success together. This agreement reinforces our continued focus on the Japanese market and the customers we serve,” commented Aviagen CEO Jan Henriksen.

“I am confident the partnership with Aviagen will further strengthen the foundation that Nippon Chunky has built over the years,” added Mr. Masaya Shiraishi, Meat Department General Manager, Marubeni Corporation. “We will continue to strive to develop the Japanese broiler industry even further with Aviagen through a stable supply of high-quality breeding chicks.”