Scientific exchange, the NextGEN Award and the reveal of two future brands mark a pivotal week for dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health.
More than 600 delegates from across the global animal nutrition, livestock, aquaculture and food value chains gathered in Kuala Lumpur for the World Nutrition Forum (WNF) 2026, hosted by dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health.
Under the theme ‘NextGEN’, the event explored how science, innovation, digital technologies and collaboration can help the industry meet growing global demand for animal protein, respond to the evolving expectations of the next generation of consumers, and advance sustainability, resilience and productivity.
The two-day scientific program brought together leading researchers, feed and animal protein producers and industry experts to discuss the future of animal agriculture. Sessions addressed food security, climate resilience, precision nutrition, artificial intelligence, gut health, mycotoxin management, sustainability, animal welfare and data-driven farming, highlighting the role of science and technology in helping producers do more with fewer resources.
Across poultry, swine, ruminants and aquaculture production systems, a common message emerged: the future of animal nutrition and health will be driven by integrated approaches that combine scientific excellence, practical application and cross-sector collaboration.
NextGEN Award recognizes outstanding scientific contribution
A highlight of the World Nutrition Forum was the presentation of the NextGEN Award for Outstanding Scientific Contribution, recognizing scientific excellence and collaboration that advance the future of animal nutrition and health.
The 2026 recipient was Professor Gunther Antonissen, Chair of Poultry Health Sciences at Ghent University, whose research has advanced understanding of poultry health, gut health, mycotoxins and disease resilience.
“The future of animal nutrition and health depends on science that not only advances knowledge but also delivers real-world impact. Through his outstanding research and strong commitment to collaboration, Professor Gunther Antonissen has helped advance our understanding of poultry health, particularly the complex interactions between mycotoxins, gut health and disease resilience. His work represents exactly the kind of scientific excellence and collaborative innovation the NextGEN Award was created to celebrate,” said Gerd Schatzmayr, Head of Global R&D Centers, dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health.
A new chapter for Animal Nutrition & Health
WNF 2026 took place during a significant period of transformation for the business. On 22 October 2026, dsm-firmenich announced Noviwest™ and Panavora™ as the names of the two standalone companies intended to emerge from the sale of the Animal Nutrition & Health business to CVC Capital Partners, subject to completion of the transaction.
Noviwest™ will build on a century of expertise in vitamins, carotenoids and aroma ingredients.
Panavora™ will combine nutritional expertise, science-based innovation, precision technologies and deep on-farm insights to help producers improve animal health, performance and sustainability outcomes.
The conversations, collaborations and insights shared throughout WNF 2026 reflected both the opportunities and responsibilities facing the industry as it works to provide safe, nutritious and sustainable animal protein for a growing global population.
“This year’s World Nutrition Forum challenged us to think differently about what comes next for our industry. Across two days of scientific exchange, practical discussions and new collaborations, a common theme emerged: the future will belong to those who combine scientific excellence with the courage to innovate. Bringing together more than 500 delegates from around the world demonstrated the power of collaboration to advance animal nutrition and health, support producers, and contribute to a more profitable and sustainable food system. As we enter this next chapter for our business, that spirit of partnership and progress has never been more important,” said Eva Binder, Head of Translational Science at dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health and chair of the WNF Scientific Committee.
About the World Nutrition Forum
The World Nutrition Forum is dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health’s flagship scientific conference, bringing together researchers, producers, industry leaders and decision-makers from around the world to discuss developments in animal nutrition, health and sustainable food production. The 2026 edition was held in Kuala Lumpur under the theme ‘NextGEN’, exploring the next generation of science, innovation and collaboration shaping the future of animal agriculture.
About Animal Nutrition & Health
dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health is a global provider of science-based animal nutrition and health solutions. Its portfolio includes vitamins, carotenoids and aroma ingredients, premix, performance solutions and precision services.
As announced on 9 February 2026, dsm-firmenich has entered into an agreement to divest its Animal Nutrition & Health business to CVC. Under the agreement, the business will be established as two standalone companies: an Essential Products company and a Solutions company. Following completion of the transaction, dsm-firmenich will retain a 20% equity stake in each company.
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