Meat processors bullish despite economic crisis

Despite the economic crisis, the meat processing industry is bullish on Christmas ham sales this year, citing Filipino tradition as the saving factor, market players said. The industry registered flat growth during the first half due to the mad cow disease scare.

But according to Eduardo R. Reataza, vice president for sales and marketing of CDO, processors are expected to cash in on the speciality hams business because Filipinos associate Christmas with merry making and feasting.

Statistics show that the ham segment makes up about eight percent of the estimated P10 billion fresh processed meat industry. Hotdogs account for the biggest chunk of 60 percent. About P800 million worth of Christmas hams as they make up as ideal Christmas presents to friends and business associates."

CDO, a three-time recipient of the best meat processing plant award from the National Meat Inspection Commission, is targeting five to seven percent volume growth in speciality hams sale this year. The food company has been in the ham processing business the past 26 years and has earned a reputation of having one of the best-selling hams in the country.

Ham manufacturers have developed several ham variants catering to specific consumer needs. A trade survey classified Christmas ham according to shape and processing technology.

Another segment which requires a special mold is the structured ham which comes in different names as the shape of the meat product implies. By tradition, consumers identify these hams as pear-shape, square, round shape of hamon de bola.