Barry Callebaut: Delivering robust top-line growth

With a sales volume increase of 6.6% to 1.037 m tonnes in the first nine months of fiscal year 2011/12, Barry Callebaut AG significantly outperformed the global chocolate market (Nielsen September 2011 until April 2012, volume growth). Sales revenue increased by 8.4% in local currencies to CHF 3.59 bn (+2.3% in CHF). Growth in Q3 was driven by the Food Manufacturers Products business with market share gains and the implementation of long-term partnership agreements.

In Europe Barry Callebaut outperformed the market with 3.7% volume growth to 531,439 tonnes. In Western Europe the main growth driver was the Food Manufacturers Products business where the company saw higher demand in chocolate specialties products. The Gourmet & Specialties Products business reported good growth; overall regional growth was, however, affected by the economic situation in Southern Europe. In Eastern Europe, Barry Callebaut continued to achieve double-digit growth both in its Food Manufacturers Products and Gourmet business. Sales revenue in the Region rose 4.0% in local currencies (-3.4% in CHF) to CHF 1.696 bn.

In Region Americas sales volume increased by 15.0% to 264,500 tonnes. Sales revenue in the Region increased 13.8% in local currencies (+9.4% in CHF) to CHF 810.2 m. Barry Callebaut strongly accelerated its sales volume growth in the Region Asia-Pacific with +12.3% to 43,620 tonnes.

The segment Global Sourcing & Cocoa increased its sales volume by 3.3% to 197,754 tonnes, positively impacted by the growth with the company’s strategic partners. Sales revenue of the segment increased strongly by 13.0% in local currencies (+7.4% in CHF) to CHF 910.3 m driven by higher average cocoa powder prices.

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