SRI LANKA -Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its position as a major importer of U.S. soybean meal.

This trend is anticipated to persist due to the region’s escalating demand for protein-rich diets.

This was highlighted during the recent Soy Connext summit held in San Francisco, organized by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), which saw participation from a Sri Lankan trade team.

The country requires approximately 210,000 to 240,000 metric tonnes of soybean meal annually for its poultry industry, the largest livestock sector in Sri Lanka.

This demand is projected to grow significantly each year, as noted by USSEC insights. In 2023, Sri Lanka’s imports of U.S. soybean meal were valued at around US$101 million, with a specific need for textured soy products estimated at 12,000 metric tonnes annually.

Notably, soy nuggets, a key non-genetically modified organism (GMO) soy food product, is popular in the local market.

Abby Rinne, USSEC Director of Sustainability, emphasized the unique qualities of U.S. soy, stating, “U.S. Soy is different from soy in other regions for several different factors, primarily with farmers having focused on sustainability for over a century.”

 She explained that the U.S. agricultural sector has prioritised soil conservation and sustainable practices since the Great Depression, significantly influencing the quality and reliability of U.S. soybean products.

Consumer preferences in Sri Lanka are shifting towards sustainable options, and U.S. soy has captured over 70% of the country’s market share.

This preference is attributed to its superior amino acid profile, higher digestibility, lower fibre content, and dependable supply chain.

Kevin Roepke, USSEC Regional Director for South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, remarked, “Despite its smaller industry size compared to its neighboring countries, Sri Lanka’s poultry and livestock industry has continued to uphold and increase its quality, efficiency and capabilities.”

New Anthoney’s Farms, a leading local poultry producer, adopted the ‘Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy’ label on its products in July 2023.

This initiative marked the first of its kind in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, paving the way for ten other producers to follow suit by signing licensing agreeits products ‘Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy’ label ments.

The Soy Connext summit also recognized several companies, including New Anthoney’s Group and Happy Hen (Switz Lanka), for their use of the Sustainable U.S. Soy label.

These labels are now utilized by 120 companies across 18 countries and over 1,000 products. Furthermore, international customers can now request carbon footprint information for their soy purchases on their SSAP certificates, reflecting a growing emphasis on transparency and environmental responsibility.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.