Sri Lanka’s New Anthoney’s Farms recognised for sustainable US Soy sourcing

SRI LANKA – New Anthoney’s Farms has been recognised among global sustainability leaders for its use of the Sustainable US Soy and Fed with Sustainable US Soy labels, highlighting the Sri Lankan poultry producer’s focus on traceable feed ingredients and responsible sourcing.

The company received the recognition at Soy Connext 2026 in Chicago, organised by the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC). 

The event attracted more than 800 delegates.

New Anthoney’s Farms became the first company in South Asia to secure a Sustainable US Soy licence in 2023, with its sustainability claims verified under the US Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol.

The certification supports the group’s feed milling operation, Anthoney’s Feeds, which produces the protein-rich feed used across its poultry production system.

Sri Lanka was the largest global market for containerised US soybean meal in 2025, importing about 255,000 tonnes, according to the company. 

The imports supply a domestic animal feed industry producing close to 1.3 million tonnes annually, with poultry representing the largest end-user.

Sixteen Sri Lankan poultry producers and feed millers currently hold the Sustainable US Soy licence.

Sustainable feed sourcing supports poultry expansion

New Anthoney’s Farms has built its business around antibiotic-free poultry production, a model it has maintained for more than four decades.

The company describes itself as Sri Lanka’s only fully antibiotic-free poultry producer, with the approach forming a central part of its consumer and business strategy.

The focus on feed sourcing is also becoming increasingly important as the company prepares to expand production. 

In June, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, announced an investment of up to US$10 million in New Anthoney’s Farms Group.

The investment will support increased production capacity, supply chain improvements and wider access to poultry products in Sri Lanka.

The company expects annual poultry exports to reach 1,936 tonnes, representing about 10% of total production and a 29% increase from 2024 levels. 

It estimates the additional exports could generate US$4.95 million in foreign exchange earnings by 2032.

The expansion is also expected to strengthen links with smallholder farmers. 

Smallholders currently contribute about 40% of New Anthoney’s production, while the company expects its growth plans to benefit at least 200 farmers through contract farming and outgrower schemes.

More than 900 jobs are also expected to be created, with women projected to account for about 22% of participating farmers and 80% of beneficiaries expected to come from low-income households.

Sri Lanka’s poultry industry remains an important source of affordable animal protein, but smallholder producers face productivity and market-access constraints. 

Although small farms account for about 85% of the sector, they contribute less than 30% of total production.

The combination of sustainable feed sourcing, contract farming and investment in processing and production capacity therefore forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the poultry value chain.

“Founded in 1986 as a smallholder enterprise, New Anthoney’s Farms Group is proud to enter its next phase of growth through this partnership,” said Neil Suraweera, CEO of New Anthoney’s Farms Group.

“This collaboration represents a paradigm shift for us, reinforcing our commitment to world class governance, transparency and operational excellence, while upholding the highest standards of social and environmental sustainability,” he added.

The company’s recognition at Soy Connext highlights the growing role of sustainable and traceable feed ingredients in poultry production, particularly as producers seek to combine food safety, responsible sourcing and commercial growth.

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