Swift to export chicken to Japan

Swift Foods, Inc., one of the major poultry producers in the country, is in the final stages of negotiations with Japanese importers for the export of value-added chicken products to the Japanese market.

Swift president Bernardo Concepcion said Sumikin Busan and Nisho Iwai, two major Japanese sogo-soshas, are now working closely with the company in finalizing a supply agreement for the next three to six months.

Representatives of both companies, together with their customers, have visited Swift’s new and modern dressing and further processing facilities in Cagayan de Oro. "Both buyers were happy and impressed with our facilities in Cagayan de Oro and the quality of chicken meat produced from these plants," Concepcion said.

Swift Foods, Inc., one of the country’s pioneers in poultry production, together with local entrepreneurs invested over P500 million to expand its Northern Mindanao operations. Its dressing plant in the area, capable of producing 8,000 birds per hour and its further processing plant facility, capable of producing customized products, were made operational early last year.

"These facilities, other than being able to supply the requirements of the growing domestic food service sector, are likewise geared for exports," Concepcion said. Swift’s facilities in Northern Mindanao are HACCP certified and Triple A accredited by the NMIC.