Philippines-based food company San Miguel Corp. is anticipating a 27% increase in its chicken yakitori exports to Japan as a result of the post-earthquake destruction of some of the country's food-processing facilities and the accompanying radiation scare.
“There is a strong demand for chicken yakitori in Japan because of the recent calamity,” said Rita Imelda Palabyab, vice president and general manager of San Miguel’s poultry division. The company’s chicken exports were up 20% during the first quarter to March, and April shipments may increase by 30%, according to Palabyab.
Figures from the Philippines Bureau of Animal Industry showed that the country’s yakitori exports to Japan rose in 2010, as well, reaching 3.51 million kilograms, 63% higher than the 2.15 million kilos shipped out in 2009.
