October 16, 2006

Ireland's largest chicken processor claws its way back to profits
 

Profits at the Carton Group, owner of the Manor Farm brand and Ireland's largest chicken processor, jumped last year after the company's turnover increased by almost 10 per cent.

The family-run company had sales of EUR 107 million for the year to the end of last November, up from EUR 99.7 million for the year before.

Pre-tax profits rose 5 times from EUR149,000 in 2004 to more than EUR766,000 last year.

The group made an operating profit of EUR1.3 million in 2005, compared with an operating loss of EUR835,000 for 2004.

Vincent Carton, managing director of the company, said the improved results reflected the investment made in the business over the past two years, including the upgrading and extension of its facilities in Shercock, which increased the company's efficiency.

Carton also operates a hatching operation and a feed-mill in Ireland.

The 200-year-old company supplies poultry to all major Irish retailers except Tesco, and processed more than half a million chickens each week.

Bird flu has taken a hit on profits this year, especially after it was announced in Western Europe.