Barry Callebaut continues to significantly outperform the global chocolate market

The company’s growth for the year compares favorably to the -2.7% decline in the global confectionery market according to Nielsen. Growth was broadly based with strong contributions from the developed markets in Western Europe and North America, as well as from Outsourcing, Emerging Markets and Gourmet & Specialties. Sales revenue was up 12.1% in local currencies (6.4% in CHF) to CHF 6,241.9 million, as a result of volume growth and higher cocoa bean prices. Net profit for the year in local currencies was 2.7% below prior year (-5.9% in CHF) and came in at CHF 239.9 million. This is a reflection of the higher average financing requirements mainly due to higher cocoa bean prices, a foreign exchange loss, as well as higher income tax expenses. Looking ahead, new CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique said: “We see significant growth opportunities ahead and we are committed to achieving consistent, above-market volume growth based on our three key growth drivers Outsourcing & Partnerships, Emerging Markets and Gourmet & Specialties. We will strike a balance between volume growth and enhanced profitability as well as free cash flow generation – in brief: ‘smart’ growth.“