Danone’s volumes rise on back of price cuts
Dairy group Danone has reported sales growth of 2.4% on a like-for-like basis in the first three quarters as stronger volumes overcame a 1.5% decline in prices received.
Consolidated sales fell, however, due to the impact of the sale of their beverage business Frucor earlier this year.
Among brands, Activia and Danacol delivered strong performances, as their “health benefit brands” (Activia, Actimel, Danonino and Danacol) continued to grow faster than the average of the division.
Franck Riboud, Chairman and CEO of Danone, was pleased with the third quarter as volume and sales growth both accelerated – to 7.1% and 4.1%, respectively.
“The operational adjustments we have been implementing since the start of the year are translating into an accelerated growth of our volumes and sales,” he advised. “We made the right decision and have been very efficient and fast in implementing it: we will have accomplished the repositioning of our products before year-end.”
“In the third quarter, each division and each geography has contributed to our growth. Our market share gains in Fresh Dairy and Baby Nutrition, the performance of our Waters division in emerging countries and our capacity to innovate in medical nutrition have been particularly noticeable.”
“Our third quarter performance allows us not only to reiterate and precise our 2009 targets, but also to continue to prepare 2010 with confidence and determination,” Mr Riboud concluded.