Masterfoods Germany satisfied with business year 2004

For Masterfoods GmbH Germany the business year 2004 was satisfactory. The subsidiary of US-concern Mars reported sales growth of 5.0 % (ACNielsen MAT for calendar weeks 43/03 to 44/04).According to Masterfoods the Dove chocolates umbrella range, launched in March 2004,ranks thirteenth in retail store sales of packaged chocolates. According to press release, in the snack segment Masterfood’s m&m’s are the retail market leaders,commanding a 27 % share; both in food re tail stores and impulse channels there was phenomenal growth of 57 %. Seasonal articles performed also strongly (+ 19 %) as did ice cream singles (+ 11.1 %). Other Masterfoods chocolate products were similarly successful,reported the company, and chocolate snack bars were able to hold their own despite a “difficult, competitive market environment”. In the coming year two new items – Mars Delight and Dove Creamy Vanilla ice cream – are expected to drive growth.