Bertin increases slaughter and market share
Brazilian meat, leather and dairy group Bertin increased its market share, both domestically and internationally, in the first quarter despite the difficult economic conditions.
First quarter revenues totalled R$1.8 billion (US$867 million), a 25.5% increase compared with R$1.4 billion. Net profits totalled R$50.9 million, a year-on-year increase of 16.3%.
The beef division revenue grew 47.3% as a result of an 85% increase in slaughter and the expansion of operations in its Campo Grande unit, in Mato Grosso do Sul. In the first three months of the year, 8.4 million head were slaughtered compared with 5.8 million in the first quarter of 2008. The company claims 1,300 new jobs were generated during the period.
As a result of the drop in sales to the furniture and automotive industries, the leather division is now concentrating efforts in sales to the footwear and accessory sectors. During the first, Bertin launched a new collection of finished leathers to be used in bags, wallets, men's, ladies' and children's footwear as well as baseball balls and gloves. According to the company, its market share increased from 25.4% in the first quarter of last year to 30% during the first quarter of 2009.
