Profits up at Moy Park as sales in 2017 reach £1.5bn

POULTRY giant Moy Park has enjoyed a 7% hike in sales to £1.5bn for 2017.

In financial results, Craigavon-based Moy Park Holdings (Europe) reported an 8% jump in pre-tax profits from £40.8m to £43.8m during last year.

Its workforce had also grown from 9,873 to 10,087 during the year. It has 11 facilities here, in Britain, France and the Netherlands.

The company produces convenience food items as well as chicken and turkey products.

The results are the first to be filed since the company was taken over by US giant Pilgrim’s Pride in September.

Moy Park president Chris Kirke, who replaced Janet McCollum as head of the company in May, said: “We are pleased to announce a strong financial performance in 2017, delivering volume and revenue growth in what remains a challenging and competitive marketplace.

“As part of our strategic investment programme, we have invested £40m in our infrastructure during the year.

“By continuing to invest in our industry-leading agricultural base and state-of-the-art processing facilities, along with a focus on innovation, we ensure a solid platform for future growth.

“Our business is built on the highest standards of food safety and quality, and we are committed to meeting and exceeding the ever-evolving expectations of our customers and consumers. Demand for our products remains strong across all our regions and the business is well placed to expand on its position as a leading European food company.”