The agreement addresses the distribution of GalliPro, a product added to Pfizer's portfolio, providing an alternative to export market demands.

Pfizer and Chr. Hansen have just established an agreement to distribute the probiotic product for poultry – the GalliPro – in Brazil. The first phase of the collaboration is focused to major producers exporting to European countries. The second phase will be extended to the remaining producers. Pfizer will have exclusivity for distributing the product to its customers by using its sales force throughout the country.

GalliPro, which is manufactured by Chr. Hansen, is an approved probiotics (Bacillus subtilis) with permanent registration in the European Community. It has been used in Europe since 2007. The product increases weight gain and improves feed conversion in poultry.

"Pfizer's goal with this collaboration is to enhance its poultry-dedicated products portfolio, providing a solution to exporting customers, once this is a product that is approved by European market." says the Swine and Poultry Business Unit Manager, Pfizer Animal Health Division, Ângelo Melo.

"GalliPro meets the requirements of the European market for such probiotic products line," added Abílio Alessandri, Marketing Manager, Animal Health and Nutrition at Chr. Hansen.

Consumers are increasingly demanding concerning the use of antibiotics promoting animal growth. In 2006, the European Community banished the use of that kind of product, ultimately affecting producers from exporting countries, like Brazil.

"GalliPro meets this need, both for consumers and for regulatory authorities," said Mr Alessandri.

Production of poultry meat in Brazil in 2009 will exceed 11 million tons, of which 3.8 million will be exported, according to estimates of União Brasileira de Avicultura - UBA, Associação Brasileira dos Produtores e Exportadores de Frango – ABEF, and UN's Food and Agriculture Organization.