Immediately following the Beijing 2008 Olympics, China's capital will welcome VIV China 2008 at the New China International Exhibition Center located in the Tainzhu Aeroport Industrial Development Zone in Beijing's Shunyi District.

Consumer attitudes and behaviours towards food are rapidly changing on a global scale. There is a stronger focus on livestock health. After mad cow disease, classical swine and avian influenza, consumers are sceptical and want guarantees about the meat they eat. At the same time, demand for convenience food products is on the rise. Consequently, the importance of delivering fresh and safe meat products with an extended shelf life is increasing.

To stay current with these developments, today's meat business focuses on improving yield, quality, hygiene, traceability, efficiency and transparency. As animal feed and animal health are vital for meat quality and safety, the 5th biennial VIV China will focus on the entire livestock production chain from feed to meat.

In addition, this year's exhibition will highlight two special themes: dairy and aquaculture. China's milk production has increased by 27 percent over the past 4 years. It currently holds the 7th position in the world's ranking of milk-producing countries. To meet rising dairy demand, China has to overcome important dilemmas regarding livestock health and feed availability constraints, among others.

In addition, China is the top aquaculture production country in the world at a time when farmed seafood has become the fast growing food line. Today, aquaculture accounts for more than 30 percent of global fish production for human consumption. It is expected that aquaculture output will double by the year 2010. VIV China will also focus on this dynamic, fast growing sector.

In 2006, VIV China attracted more than 20,000 visitors, of which more than 60 percent of them were decision makers. With opportunities and issues growing apace, this year's attendance is expected to be much higher and more internationally diverse.

Visitors and exhibitors this year can look forward to interacting with buyers from key Chinese livestock producing provinces such as Shandong, Hebei, Shanghai, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Beijing, Zhejiang and Guangdong. In addition, industry executives from South Korea, the United States, Germany and many other countries will also be showcasing their products at the fair.