The Barry Callebaut Group increased its sales volume by 1.7% to 541,109 tonnes during the first three months of fiscal year 2018/19 (ended on November 30, 2018), on top of a very strong + 8.0% volume growth in the same prior year quarter and above the global chocolate confectionery market (+ 1.4% in volume; source: Nielsen, August-October 2018). According to the company, volume growth was supported by Regions Americas (+ 8.0%) and Asia Pacific (+ 3.8%). Region EMEA posted stable volumes (- 0.1%) in the first quarter, following a double-digit volume growth of + 10.3% in the same prior year quarter. The Group expects an acceleration in the coming quarters from recently signed outsourcing deals, such as Burton’s and Garudafood. Sales revenue for Barry Callebaut amounted to CHF 1.881 bn, an increase of + 3.7% in local currencies (+ 0.5% in CHF), outpacing volumes mainly due to a better product mix.

Looking ahead, CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique said: “Our results in the past three years have confirmed the strength of our ‘smart growth’ strategy. Going forward, we remain committed to achieving consistent, above-market volume growth and enhanced profitability. A continuing outsourcing trend, as evidenced by recently signed agreements, the dynamic growth in emerging markets, our attractive Gourmet business as well as our innovation power provide plenty of levers for further growth”.