November 16, 2011

French poultry processor Duc has reported a 12.7% sales increase to EUR45.3 million (US$61.2 million) for the three months to the end of September.

Poultry accounts for over 61% of Duc's sales and the company said it had seen a "significant" increase in poultry volumes of 4.5%. Own-label products were in growth, Duc said.

Sales volumes of added-value poultry products increased 7%, driven by breaded products.

Duc's turkey division, which accounts for 20% of sales, saw volumes fall 2%. The company said the fall was due to its moves to rationalise turkey production, a move it embarked upon in 2009.

In September, Duc reported a 13.4% rise in first-half turnover to EUR90.1 million (US$121.3 million). The company, however, saw losses widen on-year. In the first six months of 2011, Duc made a net loss of EUR1.9 million (US$2.6 million), although it said profitability had improved in the second quarter.