8 August 2007 - During the 2006–2007 financial year, which closed on June 30th, the Bonduelle Group recorded turnover of Euro 1,252.9m against Euro 1,196m during the previous financial year, or an increase of 5.1% at constant exchange rates.
This growth is completely in line with Group forecasts and was particularly strong in the 4th quarter where turnover grew by 6.9%. This buoyancy was a feature throughout the entire financial year, driven the combined effects of a net revival in consumption in Europe and Western economies, continued solid activity in Central Europe and the effects of a ramp up in marketing budgets at the end of the financial year.
Canned vegetables remain the Bonduelle Group's main activity (48% of turnover) and grew by 6.4%, including a 4th quarter surge (+8%) both in European Union countries and those in Eastern Europe.
The frozen vegetables sector, which has been static for some years now, grew by 3.4%, thanks in part to the professional catering sector. This area represents 23% of overall Group activity and posted extremely positive 4th quarter performance with growth of 9.5%.
The chilled vegetables sector (bagged green salads and prepared salads) has been Bonduelle's 2nd largest business line since the previous financial year, accounting for 29% of overall turnover, but struggled due to the after-effects of adverse climatic conditions. The mild winter hit consumption of 4th range green salads and a particularly cold spring did likewise to prepared salads. This sector grew by 4.4% during the financial year.
Bonduelle goes global
Turnover generated outside European Union countries (or 9% of Bonduelle activity) grew by 15.6%, whereas growth in EU countries showed an increase of 4.4%.
The takeover in July of Aliments Carrière, the Canadian frozen and preserved vegetable market leader will lead to a major shift in the geographical distribution of Bonduelle's activity during the 2007-2008 financial year.
The Group's activity will be split one third in France, one third in other Eurozone countries and the final third outside the Eurozone, mainly in North America and Central and Eastern Europe.