Barry Callebaut: Increased profitability in the first half

Zurich / CH. (bc) During the first half of fiscal year 2008/2009 Barry Callebaut AG succeeded in significantly increasing its profitability in an exceptionally difficult environment. Sales volumes remained stable at 611’920 tonnes in a declining global chocolate market. The period under review was characterized by adverse currency effects, in particular the weakening of the Euro, Pound Sterling and the US-Dollar currencies against the group´s reporting currency, Swiss Franc. In local currencies sales revenue grew by 4,7 percent, while operating profit (EBIT) rose 17,6 percent. In Swiss Francs, sales revenue came in at 2’543,1 million CHF and EBIT rose to 218,6 million CHF. The strong profitability increase was achieved thanks to margin improvements, tight cost control, efficiency measures and the beneficial impact of higher cocoa product margins. Net profit rose 23,2 percent in local currencies. Net profit increased to 143,4 million CHF.
Financial Statement Release: «Barry Callebaut reports results for first six months of fiscal year 2008/2009 – Increased profitability in recessionary markets»