CSM profit benefits from new strategy

CSM reported first-half net profit of EUR38.8m (US$49.73m) compared to EUR365m in 2005, when it was inflated by EUR355.2m proceeds from the sale of its sugar confectionery unit. According to just-food.com, the Dutch food group s operating result before exceptionals rose more than 30% to EUR66.4m and sales totalled EUR1.2bn. The firm, which supplies frozen cookies, baking mixes and frozen dough to bakeries, added that underlying sales rose 7% at its US unit, but noted that a strong rise in the price of sugar would put pressure on the operating result in the second half.