UK Food Group Uniq To Sell Poultry Business - UK - United Kingdom food group Uniq on Tuesday announced plans to sell its poultry business following the loss of a contract with fast-food chain Burger King and the impact of the avian flu outbreak.

The business is expected to lose £3 million this year, compared with a £5m profit a year ago because of the setbacks, Uniq said.

But the firm said its businesses are still 'performing in line with market expectations', although a significantly improved performance in France was offset by a weaker performance and greater uncertainty in the UK.

The group expects sales in the UK, excluding the poultry business, to be in line with the last year during the second half.

A spokesman said: "In southern Europe, profits have continued to improve, even against more challenging prior year comparatives. Our health spreads have performed well ahead of our expectations."

Meanwhile, in northern Europe, sales in the second half are expected to be ahead of last year. But profits will be lower as a result of reduced fish prices which have been passed on to customers, the spokesman added.

Source: eFeedLink - 19th February 2004