Lotus Bakeries: expects good sales growth in 2008

Lembeke / BE. (lb) Prices of various raw materials have risen considerably. In response to this movement, Lotus Bakeries NV has increased its prices to consumers, producing fears of downward pressure on sales volumes. In fact, the first four months of 2008 have confirmed consumers´ confidence in and loyalty to the Lotus and Peijnenburg brand names. For the first half of 2008 the company expects good sales growth, and profit margins as a percentage of sales in line with those for 2007 as a whole. The capacity extensions for caramelized biscuits (Lembeke) and gingerbread (Sintjohannesga and Geldrop) are proceeding to plan, Lotus Bakeries says in a statement. Some days ago the company announced the cooperation in Benelux between Studio 100 and Lotus Bakeries. (source).

In February Lotus Bakeries announced its annual results. Some highlights: Total turnover grew by 25,3 percent compared with 2006. Internally generated growth amounted to ten percent, reflecting primarily the strong international growth of caramelized biscuits and a significant increase in gingerbread sales in the Netherlands. Sales by all the group´s own sales organizations advanced significantly in 2007, with exceptional performances posted by the Netherlands, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and the USA. Sales in other export markets also moved ahead vigorously once again (source).