Agriculture

Ukrros Sugar [UROS, N/R], one of the top Ukrainian sugar refineries, has decided to shut down one of its plants in Dnepropetrovsk, the Gubiniskiy Sugar Refinery, which has a total output capacity of 6 thsd mt of beet sugar per day. In addition, Ukrros decided to invest nearly USD 8 mln in the modernization of its three plants in Kharkiv, Cherkassy and Ternopil during its recent AGM.

Carlsberg, one of the world’s top breweries, is planning to build a brewery in Kharkiv. Carlsberg has already begun talks with local Kharkiv authorities, who proposed six potential sites for the new brewery. Carlsberg, which controls Baltic Beverage Holding (BBH), the main shareholder in Slavutych [SLAV UZ, BUY], will base its decision on the proximity of a good quality water source.

Creativ Group [CREA UZ, N/R] has announced plans to increase the volume of its net revenue to USD 206.1 mln, thanks to the opening of a new soy processing factory in July 2008. The group has invested USD 25 mln in the factory, which will have a total output capacity of 100 ths mt of soy p.a. Moreover, Creativ is constructing a new oil plant that will boast a total output capacity of 245 ths mt of oil p.a., eventually leading to an increase in the group’s capacity to 345 ths mt p.a. The opening of the new oil plant is slated for Nov.-Dec. 2008.

EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) experts are set to inspect Ukrainian dairy producers planning to export dairy products to European countries for compliance with EU quality standards.

Ukrainian beverage producer Vinifruit [VINIP UZ, N/R] is planning to increase its net income to USD 3.1 mln and net revenues to USD 55.6 mln in 2008. According to an official company statement, made at the investment forum Ukraine 2008: perspectives and reality, the company plans to expand its net income to USD 9.6 mln and net revenues to USD 98.4 mln by 2010.

Khlibprom [HLPR UZ, N/R], a holding company for 14 bread plants and three bakeries, has posted a net revenue of USD 22.02 mln (+54.5% YoY) and a net income of USD 0.25 mln (+ 9.1% YoY) for 1Q08.

Astarta [AST PW, U/R], Ukrainian sugar refinery, gets a 3 month bridge loan from ABN AMRO. The agreement was signed on May 29, 2008. According to the Warsaw Burse officials, “Tsukrovyk Poltavshyny” ltd and “Astarta – Kyiv” ltd are stated as collaterals for the loan. The company is planning to invest the money into buying new agriculture equipment and improving of working capital.

Milk Group, part of the group Western Milk, launched a new line for cottage cheese production with a daily capacity of 5 mt of cottage cheese.

Baltic Beverage Holding Ukraine’s 1Q08 sales increased 48% YoY to USD 64 mln and +42% in terms of volume, the company announced Wednesday, May 27 at a press conference. Its net loss expanded two-fold to USD 8 mln and EBITDA was slashed 12% to USD 2 mln.

Myronivskiy Khliboproduct [MHPC LI, N/R], a leading poultry producer in Ukraine, is planning to increase its share capital 5% to USD 170.5 mln through an additional share issue of 160 mln ordinary shares with a par value of USD 0.05. The ex-rights date is set for Aug. 19, 2008. The final decision is slated to be made at MHP’s AGM in July.