Q1 2015 highlights
- Autonomous revenue growth of 8.9%, driven by 8.4% volume growth
- EBITE up to €12.3 million as result of higher gross profit, good cost control and first time inclusion Abafoods; marketing investments increased markedly
- Abafoods, acquired early January, performs well and in line with our expectations
- Divestment ABC completed, marking our full dedication to healthy and sustainable food
Christophe Barnouin (CEO) commented: "Our first quarter was a good start of the year, sustaining the healthy growth of the previous periods. We recorded an autonomous growth of almost 9%, mainly due to volume, with our own brands growing double digit. Abafoods, which we acquired early January, performed well and in line with our expectations. Its integration is well on track.
We have increased our marketing investments in the quarter and we are to grow it for 2015 as well. We however plan the phasing of our spending to be different from last year, being more weighted to the first half.
Innovations and line extensions such as Allos Hofgemüse, Bjorg fourrés lemon, Isola Bio cereal drinks and Clipper teas perform well. Focal areas remain to realise new listing and expand shelf space as we did successfully in the past periods.
Today, we are purely dedicated to healthy and sustainable food. Since we successfully completed the divestment of US-based ABC at the end of March, all of us at Wessanen focus exclusively on organic food, fair trade, vegetarian and good nutrition. Every day we all contribute to one unified goal, 'healthier food, healthier people, healthier planet'."
Media, investor & analyst enquiries
Carl Hoyer (VP Corporate Communications & Investor Relations)
Phone +31.20.3122.140 / +316.123.556.58
Carl.hoyer@wessanen.com
