2013 was the first year when Romanian companies could deliver unprocessed pork on the European market following a 6-year ban imposed on fears of swine fever.
“Smithfield’s external client portfolio includes companies of 16 states,” say the local representatives of Smithfield, the US group recently acquired by Chinese-held Shuanghui.
Almost one third of Smithfield’s exports went to Hungary, with Greece (21%) and Bulgaria (18%) as the next destinations.
Total pork exports rose by 4% in the first 10 months of last year against 2012, according to Eurostat data. Total meat exports by Romanian companies reached EUR193.8 million in the first 10 months of 2013, with pork accounting for 13% on the total.
“At present, around 17% of our pork production is directed to the EU, without neglecting the pork offer in Romania, still our main market,” Smithfield officials also said.
Thus, the company’s 2013 revenue can be put at EUR170 million, slightly higher year-on-year, according to ZF calculations.
Domestically, Smithfield operates through Smithfield Ferme (the pig farming unit), Smithfield Prod (the primary processing unit, the slaughterhouse) and through Agroalim Distribution (wholesale).
In the EU, Smithfield is present directly through the companies it owns in the United Kingdom, Poland and Romania and indirectly through a stake in Campofrio, the largest charcuterie producer in the EU.
Smithfield last year entered the portfolio of Shuanghui, China’s biggest pork producer. Once the deal is sealed, Smithfield will delist from the US capital market and become a subsidiary of the Chinese group.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)