Genus forms strategic beef partnership with ABP Food Group

Genus, a premier global entity in animal genetics, and ABP Food Group, a leading beef processing company in Europe, are excited to unveil a strategic collaboration. This enduring partnership is set to enhance the sustainability and quality of beef by integrating Genus's advanced genomics technology with ABP's comprehensive beef production and traceability system in the UK. This initiative aligns with the strategic goals of both organizations to elevate beef cattle differentiation based on consumer demand. Through this enduring partnership, Genus and ABP aim to elevate beef genetics at the source—working directly with primary producers. ABP will contribute a wealth of supply chain data, enabling Genus to craft a bespoke index for beef bulls tailored to ABP's requirements. This initiative promises to inject superior genetics into ABP's supply chain, fostering a more sustainable beef supply chain characterized by enhanced feed-to-weight gain ratios, carcass quality, and superior consumer products. Farmers engaged in this program will gain from ABP's vast experience in calf procurement and rearing, while Genus will earn royalties from ABP for the genetic advancements provided. As a dominant beef processor in the UK and Ireland and the third-largest in Europe, ABP is strategically positioned to leverage genetic advancements in beef. The company's commitment to DNA swabbing all slaughtered cattle underscores its dedication to enhancing both the efficiency and quality of the beef supply chain. Genus is slated to begin supplying ABP suppliers with advanced beef genetics in the latter half of 2014. Karim Bitar, CEO of Genus, stated, "Our unique genomics technology platform positions us to offer substantial improvements in beef genetics, mirroring our successes in dairy and pork sectors. We are confident that through strategic collaborations with integrated beef producers like ABP, we can significantly enhance value across the supply chain. ABP's commitment to adopting advanced technology for high-quality, efficient beef production makes them an ideal partner for this venture." Paul Finnerty, CEO of ABP Food Group, remarked, "Partnering with Genus marks a pivotal moment for our company. While significant genetic advancements have been realized in pork, poultry, and dairy, beef has not seen the same progress. It's time for this to change. By working with Genus, we anticipate producing even higher quality beef through a more sustainable and efficient supply chain, which will strengthen our competitive edge." About Genus: Genus leads in animal breeding and genetic improvement by leveraging biotechnology, offering high-value products for the livestock and food production industries. Its technologies benefit all livestock species and are marketed by Genus in the dairy, beef, and pork sectors. Genus serves customers in seventy countries under the “ABS” (dairy and beef cattle) and “PIC” (pigs) trademarks, providing semen and breeding animals with genetics superior to those currently in production. This results in offspring with enhanced production efficiency and quality, contributing to the global dairy and meat supply chain. Genus distinguishes itself through proprietary breeding lines, cutting-edge biotechnology, and a comprehensive global supply chain, technical service, and sales network. Headquartered in Basingstoke, United Kingdom, Genus operates in thirty countries across six continents, with research facilities in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.