Reunion of the Americas 2024: Transforming the Rendering Industry
By, Rendering Magazine
April 07, 2025
Reunion of the Americas 2024: Transforming the Rendering Industry
The Reunion of the Americas (REAM) 2024 has become one of the most important events in the rendering and agrifood industry in the Americas and worldwide. AgriGlobal Market, a tech pioneer in those sectors, along with ABRA, the Brazilian Renderers Association, have taken on the challenge of transforming the industry through global connections and constant innovation with a clear purpose — to generate new business opportunities and significant benefits for everyone involved in the industry, including producers, buyers and any other stakeholders. A Global Event With Continental Impact After the success of REAM 2023 in Cartagena, Colombia, the 2024 edition was held Sept. 3-5 in Medellín, Colombia, a city known as one of the most innovative in the world. REAM 2024 emphasized the importance of technology and global connectivity in the development of the rendering sector.
REAM has become a crucial business platform connecting markets such as rendering, feed, aquaculture, pet food, biofuels, fats, used cooking oil (UCO) and oleochemicals across the Americas. The event experienced significant growth compared to the previous year with 483 participants from 222 companies representing 20 countries — a 70% increase in attendance and 52% more companies. Countries like the U.S., Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and others were present alongside European industry giants, solidifying REAM as a global showcase for new business opportunities. The success of REAM 2024 was further bolstered by the support of key cohosts, such as the North American Renderers Association, All Pet Food and the Chamber of Livestock By-Products from Argentina, National Business Association of Colombia (ANDI), Colombian Association of Rendering Plants (ASOCOLPRE), National Association of Renderers (ANR) from Mexico, National Association of Food Manufacturers for Animal Consumption (ANFACA) from Mexico, National Council of Balanced Food Manufacturers and Animal Nutrition (CONAFAB) from Mexico, BCA Group from Chile, Ecuadorian Pet Nutrition Committee (CENMA), ProBrasil, FeedLatina and the World Renderers Organization, among others.
Speakers at one session included, from left, Felipe Hurtado, AgriGlobal Market CEO and founder; Decio Coutinho, ABRA CEO; and Pedro Bittar, ABRA chairman of the board.
Connections, Knowledge
Where does the magic of REAM lie? In the disruptive way things are done. Features like simultaneous translations via streaming, holographic badges with QR codes, data analytics, business intelligence (BI) contact lists, and more make REAM a unique event. The event kicked off with a welcome cocktail at the iconic Museo El Castillo in Medellín, where attendees broke the ice in an environment conducive to starting business conversations. During the next couple of days, the business roundtables at the Plaza Mayor Convention Center facilitated live dealmaking with tangible results that participants took back home. One of the innovations this year was the REAM Talks, where event sponsors had 20 minutes in reserved rooms to present their products and innovations. These parallel talks enriched the attendees’ knowledge and fostered strategic discussions about the latest industry trends. Culture, Innovation in addition to business opportunities, REAM 2024 offered a vibrant atmosphere with traditional Colombian dance performances and floral sculptures reflecting the local culture. The conference program was also packed with valuable content focused on artificial intelligence, data-driven decision making, and BI systems. Industry Leaders in Attendance The meeting brought together an impressive list of leading companies from across the Americas and Europe, highlighting major rendering giants like Darling, Saria, Sanimax, BRF, Minerva, Seara and so on. Additionally, key industry players such as Kemin, CFS Dresen, Fast, Dupps, Gratt, Oestergaard, 3A Biotech, Progan, Eurotec, Thor, Riveto Group, Innovaquimica, Dheytecnica, Petroderivados, Sebosol, Okuo, and Haarslev, among others, were present. The diversity and quality of the companies ensured that REAM 2024 was a crucial meeting point for the most influential players in the sector, promoting new partnerships and strategic business opportunities. Next Edition — Guadalajara 2025 Next year, REAM will take place in September at Guadalajara, Mexico, a city recognized for its economic and cultural significance. This event promises to be as memorable as previous editions, starting with a welcome cocktail at an authentic Mexican ranch, providing the perfect setting to meet and start building business relationships. The business meetings will be held at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel in Guadalajara, where participants will enjoy a vibrant atmosphere ideal for creating new business connections in an environment full of innovation and opportunities. Get ready to be part of this transformative event. Source: Rendermagazine.com By Felipe Hurtado, AgriGlobal Market Photos by Mafla Photo
NARA was represented by German Davalos, the association’s regional director in Latin America, and Charles Starkey, vice president of scientific services.