NFU: UK poultry company sold to Brazilian company
Tuesday, 24 Jun 2008 08:35
Chicago-based OSI has today sold UK poultry firm Moy Park to the Brazilian company Marfrig.
Moy Park is the largest integrated poultry company in the UK. From its base in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, Moy Park run farming and processing operations throughout the UK, including a state of the art flagship plant at Anwick in Lincolnshire.
The sale, which is part of a larger deal between OSI and Marfrig worth $2 billion, will see the Brazilian processor make significant expansions into the poultry sector from their traditional red meat base.
Commenting on the takeover an NFU statement said: “The UK poultry industry has built a strong and loyal consumer base for British chicken, with the use of the Great British Chicken - Red Tractor brand. We are encouraged this major Brazilian meat company is looking to invest in our farming industry. However it is important this move doesn't just facilitate the importation of meat and carcasses from outside the UK.
“We are looking forward to working closely with Moy Park and Marfrig in developing the British Chicken brand and reputation, and in forging close relationships between them and our farmer members.
“The sale by OSI comes at a time for the industry of soaring feed and energy costs, with only marginal price increases for the end product in return.”
The NFU went on to say: “While we look forward to working with Marfrig we need to be sure we are not welcoming a ‘Trojan horse’ into our midst, in the form of a large processor and potential importer of South American beef and other imported meat.”
The NFU is seeking an urgent meeting with Marfrig and Moy Park to discuss the implications of the move for its farmer members.
NFU, Agriculture House, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2TZ
Press Officer: Sharon Hockley
Telephone: 024 7685 8686 FAX: 024 7685 8651 ISDN: 02476 416289
Http://www.nfuonline.com
The NFU champions British farming and provides professional representation and services to its farmer and grower members.
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