Kerry Group said today sales strong sales growth and margin improvement helped offset adverse currency effects in the first half of the year.
The former co-op, which has become a world leader in the ingredients and flavourings market, said like-for-like sales grew by 5.9 per cent in the first six months of the year while operating margin was up from 7.1 per cent to 7.4 per cent.
The group said it was well positioned to tap into the growing demand for more healthy and nutritious foods and suppements.
Sales in Ireland rose 9 per cent, reflecting better efficiency from acquisitions the Denny range of cold meats and cheeses.
European sales were slightly down at €621 million due to sterling translation rates.
The US market suffered adverse currency translation impact on sales of €453 million and operating profits of €48.9 million.
Kerry said heightened awareness of health coupled with on-going requirements for convenience and ease-of-cooking, will continue to present good growth opportunities for Kerry's business units.