February 26, 2007

Russia's Cherkizovo sees 36 percent increase in poultry sales for 2006

Sales of poultry products by volume increased 36 percent in 2006 compared to 2005, according to Russian integrated meat producer Cherkizovo.

Poultry volumes increased by 50 percent in the second half of the year compared to the same period in 2005.

This year, it is launching a TV advertising campaign to support its poultry brand, Petelinka, a spokesman said.

It is as yet unclear how recent bird flu cases, which occurred around Moscow and which shut down several farms would affect poultry sales.

About 1,600 birds were culled. International authorities have expressed confidence in Russia's ability to cope with the problem.