During the first quarter of the fiscal year, which starts in July, Bonduelle achieved a turnover of 690.6 million euro. That’s an increase of 43.9 per cent compared to figures from last year. On comparable basis, the growth in turnover amounts to 2.5 per cent. The integration of Ready Pac Food, which was acquired last year, is going according to plan. The company has now been renamed Bonduelle Fresh Americas.
Europe is the company’s second market, and good for 45.4 per cent of return during this period. That is a slight decrease (-0.3%) compared to last year. The weather in summer influenced the seasonal vegetables (corn and lettuce types). Besides, last year’s bad harvest could also be seen in this year’s figures. The frozen segment shows an increase in the EU.
Slightly more than half of sales was realised outside of the EU, 54.6 per cent. That is an increase of 127.7 per cent compared to reported figures from last year, and 7.9 per cent on comparable basis. That growth isn’t just thanks to the take over of Ready Pac Food, but also to the growth in Eastern Europe during the months that traditionally don’t have a good market. On the American side, a sales growth was registered of 13.1 per cent in dollars.
Bonduelle is satisfied with this year’s harvest figures. In combination with an increase in activities during the first quarter, the group is satisfied. The results are in line with the 25 per cent growth expectation, both in returns and in operating income at constant exchange rates.