In the first six months of fiscal year 2017/18 (ended February 28, 2018), the Barry Callebaut Group grew its sales volume by 8.0% to 1.023 m tonnes. This is significantly above the global chocolate confectionery market growth rate of 2.5% (source: Nielsen chocolate confectionery sales in volume, August 2017 to January 2018 – 25 countries). The Group’s growth in the second quarter was 8.1%.

The strong volume growth was supported by all key growth drivers: Gourmet & Specialties (+ 7.1%), Outsourcing (+ 8.1%) and Emerging Markets (+ 11.0%), as well as the gradual recovery in market demand. Sales revenue declined by - 1.8% in local currencies (+ 0.3% in CHF) to CHF 3.549 bn, mainly due to lower cocoa and other raw material prices, which, based on the company’s cost-plus model, are for the majority of its business passed on to customers.

Gross profit amounted to CHF 553.0 m, corresponding to + 15.5% in local currencies (+ 19.2% in CHF). Operating profit (EBIT) improved by 12.3% in local currencies (+ 16.1% in CHF) and amounted to CHF 276.8 m. Net profit for the period was up 17.6% in local currencies (+ 21.7% in CHF) to CHF 173.0 m.