Switzerland: Bell Group records 2013 sales increase

Swiss meat processor Bell Group has reported an increase in sales for 2013, with declining volumes offset by pricing rises, Just Food reports.

The European meat processor stated that volumes had dropped in it largest markets of Switzerland and Germany, although the group had witnessed some gains at the joint Eastern Europe/Benelux division as well as at the company’s French base. Eastern Europe joint sales increased by 2.7 %, with sales volumes increasing by 2.3%. Sales in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia were roughly on a par with the previous year.

Meanwhile sales in Switzerland improved by 5% to CHF 1.84bn ($2.03bn), whereas income in Germany dropped by 1.6% with volumes also down on the previous year. Bell France witnessed an increase of 8.8% to CHF 106.0m, boosted by sales of dried sausage and ham.

Group revenue rose by 3.7% to CHF2.62bn ($2.89bn), however over the course of the year sales volumes fell by 1.7%. The drop in volumes was attributed to price increases, owing to higher raw material costs, as well as the restructuring of some product ranges.

Source: Just Food / Bell