The London-listed agri-food group has revealed some of the effects of the conflict on its operations.
MHP, the Ukraine-based poultry processor, has given an indication of the impact Russia’s invasion of the country has had on its operations.
The London-listed business outlined the effects the conflict is having on its business in a stock-exchange filing today (28 February).
MHP, which accounts for around half of Ukraine’s commercial poultry production and a third of consumption, has “encountered significant difficulties with its supply chain”, executive chairman Dr John Rich said, adding the situation has “inevitably … causing the company to incur significant unplanned losses”.
He added: “Ukrainian roads are currently dangerous, especially in the active zones. Many trade channels have ceased operation due to the threat from Russian forces. The company is therefore seeking alternative ways to deliver these vital supplies to the needy. Needless to say, because of the damaged supply routes, the company is currently unable to export any Ukrainian produce.”
MHP employs more than 26,000 people in Ukraine. “The safety and security of our workers and their families is of utmost concern to us,” Dr Rich added. “Where necessary and possible, we are ensuring their relocation to safe areas and will provide financial support as necessary.
“In order to ensure the national food security of Ukraine, MHP’s production will not cease. The group will make a further announcement as and when appropriate.”
In the first nine months of 2021, MHP, which also produces grains, such as wheat and rape, for sale to third parties, saw its revenue rise 16% to US$1.65bn. Export revenues stood at $843m, up 11% on the corresponding period a year earlier.
MHP’s nine-month operating profit more than doubled to $416m. The company’s net profit was $377m, compared to a net loss of $109m in the first nine months of 2020, on the back of non-cash foreign exchange gains.
