Philippine poultry in demand in Africa and Europe
Posted on March 17th, 2008 under Biz Progress
Countries in Africa and Europe affected by the avian flu are turning to the Philippines for supply of poultry products.
The Philippine Association of Broiler Integrators said poultry raisers are exporting to South Africa, Germany and Russia, aside from neighboring countries Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia in the first half of the year.
Top poultry raisers include San Miguel Corp., Tyson-Agro-Ventures Inc., Universal Robina Corp. and Vitarich Corp.
“There is an ongoing accreditation for Hong Kong, which we hope could set our direction for poultry exports this year,” said Ruben Pascual, chairman of the association’s board, adding that he hoped the Hong Kong trade would serve as a gateway to the China market.
Pascual said he expected the growth in poultry exports to make up for a slack in local demand, as consumers appeared to be tightening their spending.
Commercial raisers have also received inquiries from the Middle East and Africa for the sale of whole or processed chicken products, Pascual said.
The association’s members are seeking “halal” accreditation to export to Middle East countries.
“Halal” accreditation from a Muslim country would mean that the poultry products have passed through proper preparation procedures under Islamic practice.
Brunei, also a Muslim nation, has expressed interest in poultry products from the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture said.
The P196-billion Philippine poultry industry has so far been spared from the bird flu outbreak, which has killed millions of chickens in South Korea, Vietnam, Japan, the former Soviet republics and Europe.