Barry Callebaut: First Quarter 2018-2019 Key Sales Figures

Zurich / CH. (bc) Swiss Barry Callebaut Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, increased its sales volume by plus 1.7 percent to 541,109 tonnes during the first three months of fiscal year 2018/2019 (ended on November 30, 2018), on top of a very strong plus 8.0 percent volume growth in the same prior year quarter and above the global chocolate confectionery market. Volume growth was supported by Regions Americas (plus 8.0 percent) and Asia Pacific (plus 3.8 percent). Region EMEA posted stable volumes (minus 0.1 percent) in the first quarter, following a double-digit volume growth of plus 10.3 percent in the same prior year quarter. The Group expects an acceleration in the coming quarters from recently signed outsourcing deals, such as Burton’s and Garudafood. Sales revenue for Barry Callebaut amounted to CHF 1,881.4 million, an increase of plus 3.7 percent in local currencies (plus 0.5 percent in CHF), outpacing volumes mainly due to a better product mix, the Group said in a statement on 23 January 2019.

Looking ahead, CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique said in the statement: «Our results in the past three years have confirmed the strength of our ‘smart growth’ strategy. Going forward, we remain committed to achieving consistent, above-market volume growth and enhanced profitability. A continuing outsourcing trend, as evidenced by recently signed agreements, the dynamic growth in emerging markets, our attractive Gourmet business as well as our innovation power provide plenty of levers for further growth. All these elements give us the confidence to issue a new mid-term guidance, consistent with our prior mid-term guidance, which is 4-6 percent volume growth and Ebit above volume growth in local currencies on average for the 3-year period 2019/2020 to 2021/2022, barring any major unforeseeable events.»