October 1, 2007

South African poultry producer reports profits thanks to strong demand
 

Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed poultry and stock feed group Country Bird Holdings (CBH) has reported a 4 percent increase in profit after tax to US$16.3 million for the year ending June 30.

Group revenue rose 35 percent to US$189 million, thanks to sustained strong demand for poultry products, while gross profit rose to US$32.1 million from US$31.7 million the previous year.

CBH operates in SA, Botswana and Zambia through its three subsidiaries. These consist of Supreme, which is the third-largest poultry producer in SA with a 10 percent market share.

In the feed business CBH operates under the Nutrifeeds brand, which has feedmills in Viljoenskroon and Blomfontein. The group also owns 100 percent of Ross Zambia and Ross Botswana, which has more than 60 percent market share and is the only poultry-breeding operation in that country. CBH is planning to invest in capacity expansion of its feed milling operations.