Philippines' CDO meat plant inauguration states steadfast local meat processing sector

The meat processing industry in the Philippines are now becoming lively with continuous investments made by companies to expand their operations and produce world-class products amid intensifying global competition.

The Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI) said the inauguration of CDO Foodsphere Inc.'s new plant in Batangas is just another manifestation that the processed meat industry remains steadfast amid tough economic times.

DA Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup, who witnessed the opening of CDO Foodsphere Inc.'s newest and largest plant in Malvar, Batangas on June 26, said the new plant cited the significant contribution of the processed meat industry to the agriculture sector as well as to the whole economy.

In particular, he described CDO Foodsphere –with its modern machineries and innovative meat processing techniques--as one of the best and strongest allies of the government in increasing the production and income of Filipino farmers.

The plant will produce 150,000 kilos of different processed meat products daily and is a clear indication of CDO-s resolve to participate in our efforts to accelerate national agricultural development, said Salacup.

Hotdogs, corned beef and other processed meat products have become very much a part of modern diet of Filipinos and the DA secretary said the local meat processing industry "has become a very profitable retail enterprise, and is therefore partly responsible for the sustained expansion of the Filipino livestock and poultry industry."

He cited the estimate made by PAMPI that the annual per capita consumption of meat products in the Philippines is now seven kilograms.

In support of the industry,. Salacup said the Department of Agriculture will relentlessly assist the processed meat industry by providing a conducive and healthy business environment through appropriate policies and programs.