Nestlé Group: solid organic growth in the first quarter of 2017

Sales were reduced by foreign exchange (- 0.4%) and net divestments (- 1.5%). Organic growth was 0.8% for developed markets and 4.3% for emerging markets.

Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO, commented: "Organic growth of 2.3% this quarter is within our full-year guidance range. The leap year comparison and other seasonal effects made the start of this year particularly challenging. We were encouraged by the growth in Asia and the resilience of consumer spending in Europe. Consumer demand in the Americas remained soft. Our pricing improved moderately. We confirm our 2017 guidance and have made good progress with our growth and efficiency projects to position our company for enhanced value creation."

Nestlé achieved sales of CHF 2.0 bn in the product group confectionery. Organic growth was - 2.9%, with - 2.6% of real internal growth and pricing of - 0.3%. Sales in the product category milk products & ice cream were CHF 3.1 bn (+ 1.3% organic growth).