March 31, 2006

Philippines supply poultry to bird flu-hit countries

The Philippines is turning out to be a supply source of poultry products for African and European countries that have been badly affected by the bird flu, the Philippine Association of Broiler Integrators said.

The association said Philippine poultry producers have begun exporting to South Africa, Germany and Russia in the first half of the year. These top poultry raisers include San Miguel Corp, Tyson-Agro-Ventures Inc and Universal Robina Corp.

In addition, Ruben Pascual, chairman of the association's board hopes that the current Hong Kong trade will serve as a gateway to the China market.

He said commercial raisers in the Philippines have also received inquiries from the Middle East and Africa for whole or processed chicken products.

Pascual said the association's members are seeking "halal" accreditation to export to Middle East countries. Poultry products that have passed through proper Islamic preparation procedures are considered to be "halal".