Lotus Bakeries: grew slightly during the first trimester

Lembeke / BE. (lbbv) Lotus Bakeries NV grew slightly during the first four months of 2009. This growth was both tempered by the divestment of Harry´s Benelux (pre-packaged bread and morning goods) and increased by the consolidation of sales by Anna´s since December 2008. «Leaving aside these two factors, we can still speak of slight internal growth», the bakery group said in an intermediate statement. Once again Lotus observes that its brands are doing well, in particular in Europe. In overseas export markets where imported biscuits are seen more as a luxury item and in countries whose currencies have weakened significantly against the Euro, sales have fallen. Gross sales margin is similar to last year. The present economic circumstances, however, make it difficult to issue specific forecasts. Lotus Bakeries remains very confident that the fundamentals exist for further sales and profitability growth in the future. In 2008 the group achieved a turnover of 256,7 million EUR.