Pigmeat profits plummet at Avonmore


03 September 1998


Pigmeat profits plummet at Avonmore


AVONMORE Waterford has been hit by a change of appetite among the Japanese for Irish pork.

The foods group warned that an unexpected fall in profits from meat trading in the first half would damage full-year earnings.

Overall, pre-tax profits were up 28% to I£35 million (£29.6m) in the six months to 4 July, before a I£24m exceptional provision for a loss on the sale of its Wisconsin cheese business.

But its meats business performed poorly. Profits dipped from I£5.52m to I£550,000, although turnover rose 19% to I£249m.

The company saw prices fall 20% in the European pigmeat market over the year.

Falls in meat were partially offset by improvements in the consumer foods division, which benefited from lower milk prices.

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