Swiss chocolate giant Barry Callebaut has managed to increase its sales volumes, despite the shrinking global chocolate market. The group’s turnover surpassed five billion Swiss francs in the first three quarters of its broken fiscal year.
1.38 million tons of chocolate
Over the past nine months, Barry Callebaut traded an impressive 1.38 million tons of chocolate, a 4.2 % volume growth compared to the same period last year. It is an incredible feat, considering the fact that the overall confectionery market dropped 2 %.
Total turnover grew 7.8 % to 5.1 billion Swiss francs (4.71 billion euro). In local currency, growth even reached 11.4 %, thanks to an improved product range with higher margins and increased ingredient prices. Every region experienced growth: +7.7 % in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, +10 % in America and +13 % in Asia – Pacific.
For its full fiscal year, which ends in August, the board forecasts a 4 to 6 % volume growth, although CEO Antoine de Saint-Afrique did point to the “challenging, short-term market conditions”. This is also why Barry Callebaut will continue to sell its less profitable activities. The Swiss group currently processes about a quarter of the worldwide cocoa bean production.
