Barry Callebaut reports solid volume growth

According to the company, this volume growth was driven by the chocolate business across all regions. All key growth drivers contributed positively. In the Global Cocoa business, sales to third parties were intentionally reduced and less profitable contracts are being progressively phased out. Sales revenue grew by 11.7% in local currencies (5.6% in CHF) to CHF 3.424 bn, driven by higher cocoa bean prices compared to last year (Barry Callebaut passes on raw material prices to customers for the majority of its business) and increased sales of higher value products.

Gross profit increased by 4.7 % in local currencies (- 1.9% in CHF) to CHF 437.9 m, largely in line with volume growth. Compared to the strong comparison base from last year, operating profit (EBIT) was almost flat at CHF 200.7 m (- 0.3% in local currencies and - 8.4% in CHF). Net profit was down - 12.5% in local currencies (- 18.5% in CHF) to CHF 107.9 m.