Bounty Fresh eyes chicken exports to SoKor

MANILA, Philippines - Poultry producer Bounty Fresh may start exporting chicken cuts to South Korea next year after gaining accreditation from the Korean Quarantine Inspection Agency (QIA).

Bounty Fresh Food Inc. assistant vice president for operations Carl Chung said the company’s chicken farm and dressing plant in Pulilan, Bulacan passed the inspection of Korean quarantine representatives.

Considered for exportation are value-added products such as choice chicken cuts like wings and breast parts, as well as chicken nuggets.

“We are still discussing the market requirements for Korea, but we guess it is more on chicken cuts,” said Chung. 

He said that considering the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda to the poultry industry in Visayas, the company is prioritizing the domestic market for now.

“We are now reviewing our plans for next year because the domestic market is what we are really looking at. We would like to be able to supply the markets in affected areas also,” said Chung.

Agriculture undersecretary Ron Palad said accredited chicken exporters may begin shipping their products to South Korea as early as Dec. 13.

Chung said the company is currently looking for distribution partners in Korea.

“We are still looking for buyers and we may send a business delegation next year. We can supply to supermarkets as well as hotels and restaurants,” he said.

“Export is really something we are gearing up for next year but for now there is still a lot of work to be done,” said Chung.

Bounty Fresh exports yakitori chicken to Japan.

“We have never exported to Korea and this is a different ball game. Everything has to be done from the ground up,” he said.