EDINBURGH, Scotland. – September marked half a century of Aviagen® SweChick working hand in hand with poultry producers in Denmark, Finland Sweden, Norway and Iceland as well as supplying chicks to the Baltics.
Honoring customers
To celebrate the occasion, SweChick welcomed more than 50 customers and sector representatives to a special anniversary event in mid-September. The gathering highlighted the strong collaboration between SweChick and its customers – a relationship that has shaped the company’s story over five decades.
Exploring recent advances
Knowledge exchange was at the heart of the program. Managing Director Magnus Swalander opened the sessions with an outlook on SweChick’s future direction. Espen Sørlie from Nortura Samvirkekylling offered a customer perspective on how production and farming systems have evolved over time. Jens Lesuisse, Global Product Director, outlined the process behind developing existing and new breeds, and Brendan Duggan, Director of R&D, explored what the future holds for the next generation of chickens.
Swalander reflected, “We owe our 50 years in the region to our customers, whose dedication has enabled them to breed successful flocks for a market that values chicken so highly. Our role is to stand beside them – offering trusted Ross® 308 as well as slower growing parent stock like the Rustic Gold®, investing locally to strengthen supply security, and supporting them in raising healthy, efficient birds. By providing choice, we help our customers meet a wide variety of market needs while advancing welfare and sustainability across our breed portfolio.”
Recognizing employees
The celebrations continued the following day with a dedicated event for SweChick employees and contract farm owners, recognizing their vital role as the people behind the birds. From caring for flocks to driving improvements in welfare, efficiency and performance – and to breeding success together with our customers – their commitment has been essential to the company’s journey. “They make it possible to deliver robust parent stock throughout the region, and we are proud of all they do,” added Swalander.