29/05/2013 (StockMarketWire.com) - Anglo-Eastern Plantations' production of fresh fruit branches fell to 155,900mt in the three months to the end of March - 2% down on a year ago.

FFB bought-in was 66,200mt - a decline of 42% in comparison with the corresponding period in 2012 (3M12: 113,200mt).

Total crude palm oil produced was 46,300mt, 14% lower than the corresponding period in 2012 (3M12: 54,100mt) due almost entirely to lower purchase of external FFB.

The crude palm oil cost, insurance and freight Rotterdam price averaged $845/mt for the first three months to 31 March - 24% downn from the average of $1,107/mt recorded in the first quarter of 2012 but above the $835/mt price at the start of 2013.

The group said its balance sheet remains strong with the company continuing to achieve positive cash flow generation. The company's long term development loans totalled $25.0m as at 31 March 2013 (3M12: $3.2m).

The increase was due to drawdown of loans to finance plantation development activities.

At 9:11am: Anglo-Eastern Plantations share price was +12p at 727p