MHP looks to invest in Argentina's poultry sector

Following a series of acquisitions of poultry production assets across Europe, MHP is considering entering the Argentinian market, Yuri Kosyuk, MHP CEO and founder, revealed during a business conference in Ukraine.

MHP gaining a foothold in Argentina could have a groundbreaking impact on the local market.

Kosyuk suggested that Argentina's poultry industry may have significant untapped potential, comparing its current state to a market with limited competitive pressure and considerable room for development. The MHP CEO also welcomed the economic reforms introduced by Argentine President Javier Milei, including measures to liberalise the economy, reform labour regulations and reduce the influence of trade unions.

European expansion as a model
Argentina's poultry market is protected by import barriers. Poultry imports from countries without preferential trade agreements, including Ukraine, are subject to Mercosur's Common External Tariff, with duties of around 12% applied to key categories such as frozen whole birds and poultry cuts.

During the conference, Kosyuk drew parallels between potential investments in Argentina and MHP's strategy in Europe.

In Europe, he said, MHP faced restrictions on Ukrainian poultry exports through quotas and responded by acquiring European assets and accelerating its growth in the region.

Following its agreement to acquire Greek poultry producer Nitsiakos, MHP has become one of Europe's largest poultry producers, with Kosyuk saying the company now operates on a scale far ahead of its nearest competitors.

"The market is growing. The European market is great, but it is lazy — there is a huge amount of opportunity. There is a lot to do," he said, adding that MHP expects substantial growth in Greece following the Nitsiakos acquisition.

"In Greece, I think we will grow two and a half times in a year and a half. And this is despite the fact that we bought the market leader," he said.

Back in the red
Following a relatively successful 2025, MHP posted a mixed financial performance in the first quarter of 2026.

MHP's revenue jumped 31% year on year to just over US$1 billion, supported by higher sales across its operations. However, MHP also recorded a net loss of US$85 million in January-March 2026, compared with a profit of US$32 million in the same period a year earlier. According to the company, the main factor behind the loss was non-cash foreign exchange losses of approximately US$53 million.

MHP's operating profit fell 68% year on year to US$19 million, while adjusted EBITDA declined 29% to US$79 million. The company's EBITDA margin narrowed to 8% from 14% a year earlier, reflecting pressure on profitability despite higher revenues.