Baltic agrifood giant Akola Group has announced a €13 million (₹118 crore approx.) investment to modernise and expand its poultry operations in Lithuania and Latvia. The upgrade will benefit its major poultry companies — Vilniaus Paukštynas and Kaišiadorių Paukštynas in Lithuania, and Kekava Foods in Latvia.
This poultry-focused investment is part of Akola’s larger €43 million (₹391 crore) expansion plan for FY 2025–2026 aimed at strengthening production efficiency, enhancing biosecurity, and improving environmental sustainability across its agrifood businesses.
Key Investments Planned
- AI-enabled carcass preparation technology at Vilniaus Paukštynas to improve quality and precision.
- Expansion of an incubation facility in Lithuania to support production of up to 45 million day-old chicks annually.
- Major upgrades in production modernisation, energy efficiency, and environmental protection.
- Additional €9 million to be invested in Lithuania alone.
Performance Highlights (FY 2024–25 & Q1 2025–26)
- Poultry operations generated €325 million in sales with €69 million in gross profit.
- First-quarter poultry production remained stable.
- Akola’s consolidated Q1 revenue reached €393.9 million, up 2.6% year-on-year.
- Operating profit surged 43% to €26.8 million, though net profit dipped to €19.5 million.
- Pet-food production rose 4% despite a drop in resold products.
- Dairy operations remained stable, while the farming segment posted a slight operating loss.
Akola’s deputy CEO for finance and investments, Mažvydas Šileika, highlighted that rising poultry demand and improved segment results continue to propel the group’s growth. He emphasised the urgency of biosecurity investments due to increasing avian disease outbreaks across Europe.
These investments aim to fortify Akola’s supply chain resilience, enhance product quality, and prepare the group for expanding market opportunities.