Halloren: double digit growth and good results

German chocolate manufacturers Halloren Schokoladenfabrik AG Halle/Saale achieved a excellent performance during the first half of 2011 in terms of growing sales and market share. “Company sales were up 10.7% from € 23.45 m to € 25.96 m,” reported chairman Klaus Lellé. Taking factors such as changes in the finished goods inventory and operating income into consideration, growth was 14.2% (up from € 25.13 m to € 28.69 m). Above all, strong sales of products manufactured at the Delitzsch facility drove growth during the first half of the year.

Due to increased costs – primarily of energy and raw materials – EBITDA slid € 0.31 m down to € 0.83 m. Despite their cost cutting programme and range optimisation Halloren was unable to avoid putting up prices. EBT for the period under review was € 0.76 m, up € 0.11 m (+ 12.6%) on the same period the year before. Commenting on the results, Lellé said they corresponded to expectations for the first half year 2011.

Although the situation on commodity markets is still tense, Halloren remains optimistic and is looking ahead to the rest of the 2011 business year with confidence. “Looking at the full year we expect to reach our goals in both sales and earnings,” said Lellé. Sales growth of 8% up to € 65 m is the target. The company confirmed they were on track to achieving robust EBT.