Russian meat company Cherkizovo said today (28 March) that it expects a challenging 2011 despite recording an increase in net income for 2010.

The poultry and pork processor said that net income increased by 21%, or 16% on a rouble currency basis, to US$144.4m during the year to end 31 December.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Revenue grew 17% to $1.19bn, or was up 12% on a rouble currency basis.

Cherkizovo said it expects a challenging year ahead as rising grain prices increase the company’s costs, with the processor anticipating that it won’t be able to fully offset these costs with higher pricing.

The processor said it will struggle to increase prices due to an “unusually weak pricing environment in the last quarter of 2010, despite commodity inflation”, which it attributed to a short-term oversupply of meat in the market due to destocking by “less efficient producers” and individual households.

The company added that it “welcomes” the government’s decision to decrease import quotas for 2011, which were cut by almost half in poultry against 2010 levels. Aside from the reduction, the new quota allows only for imports of leg quarters, which company CEO Sergey Mikhailov said: “considerably changes the market picture”.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

He added that he expects the industry to reach government- set self-sufficiency levels towards the end of the year, with imports accounting for some 10-12% of the market.

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now