MHP has determined two priorities: to ensure the safety of all its workers, to ensure that all the Group’s facilities continue to work
MHP SE, the parent company of an international food and agricultural group with headquarters and principal operations in Ukraine («MHP», «The Company» or «The Group»), has been impacted by the invasion of Russian armed forces into the territory of Ukraine in recent days.
The military invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces began at 5 am on 24th February. This has led to full-scale war across Ukraine. Russian invaders have blatantly disregarded civilian lives and opened fire on hospitals full of injured and elderly people as well as houses full of unarmed people, holding their children’s hands, seeking shelter from the fighting. Human lives, including those of the elderly and children, have sadly been lost.
MHP employs more than 26,000 people in Ukraine and supplies approximately 400,000 tonnes of chicken meat to the Ukrainian market annually, representing around half of all chicken produced commercially for the domestic market.
Today, MHP has determined two priorities: first, to ensure the safety of all its heroic workers and second, to ensure that all the Group’s facilities continue to work to try to fulfil National Food Security requirements.
The safety and security of our workers and their families is of utmost concern to us. Where necessary and possible, we are ensuring their relocation to safe areas and will provide financial support as necessary.
MHP, like all Ukrainian companies, has encountered significant difficulties with its supply chain. Ukrainian roads are currently dangerous, especially in the active zones. There have been highly reliable reports that military vehicles are shooting without any regard for civilian lives, even at trucks of food supplies vital for the survival of Ukrainian women and children. Many trade channels have ceased operation due to the threat from Russian forces. The Company is therefore seeking alternative ways to deliver these vital supplies to the needy. The Company is also pledging unconditional and free deliveries to all our valiant defenders as well as hospitals, communities and all who are facing difficult conditions where it is even remotely in the Company’s power to deliver. Needless to say, because of the damaged supply routes, the Company is currently unable to export any Ukrainian produce.
Inevitably, this is causing the Company to incur significant unplanned losses.
As the valiant Ukrainian defenders put their lives at risk to resist the Russian aggressor, MHP will continue to fight hard to ensure the safety of its employees. In order to ensure the National Food Security of Ukraine, MHP’s production will not cease.
The Group will make a further announcement as and when appropriate.
