Kraft Heinz grows sales by 0.7% on solid European performance | Progresiv
Kraft Heinz has posted a 0.7% increase in net sales for the third quarter, driven by strong growth in Europe. The company turned over 6.31 billion dollars, compared to 6.27 billion dollars in the same period last year, with net income growing 12% to reach 944 million dollars. It put the 0.7% growth down to a 0.4% contribution from currency and 0.3% of organic growth. 
But Kraft Heinz still lost ground in the US – by far the largest market, accounting for close to 70% of overall sales. Its US business turned over 4.38 billion dollars– down 0.4% on last year, despite growth in its Lunchables and P3 brands as well as gains in foodservice. In Europe – where organic net sales grew 3.4% – the business’ strong percentage growth belied the fact that it only added 41 million dollars in sales year-on-year. Kraft Heinz’s European operation only accounted for 599 million dollars’ worth of group sales this quarter. CEO Bernardo Hees said the results underscore the challenges faced by many companies, as well as Kraft Heinz’s attempts to overcome them.
“We continued to build top- and bottom-line momentum from operations during the third quarter, and expect to see the same in the fourth quarter. There’s no question that the retail environment, particularly in the United States, will remain both dynamic and challenging. However, the investments we’ve been making in our brands, our innovation pipeline, our people and our capabilities make us well-positioned to continue delivering sustainable, profitable growth in both the near and long term.”
Elsewhere, Kraft Heinz Canada recorded net sales of 559 million dollars, up 1.6% on the same period a year ago. A 4% contribution from currency helped to offset declines in organic sales, pricing and volume/mix. Growth in condiments and sauces was more than offset by lower shipments of macaroni and cheese products.
And in Kraft Heinz’s ‘rest of the world’ segment, net sales were 776 million dollars, increasing 1.6% compared to a year ago, despite a negative impact from currency. Organic sales increased 3.6% and pricing increased 3.8%, primarily driven by actions to offset higher input costs in local currency. Volume/mix was 0.2% lower, as strong growth in condiments and sauces was more than offset by the unfavourable impact of distributor network realignment in several markets, and lower shipments in Brazil.
In terms of pre-tax earnings, it was a similar story across the board: all regions recorded growth in EBITDA, including Kraft Heinz on the whole, as efforts continue to drive value for shareholders despite falling volumes in packaged food.
Canada recorded the highest rate of profit growth at 9%, increasing from 148 million dollars to 162 million dollars. Next was Europe on 7.8%, which took regional EBITDA from 191 million dollars in the third quarter of last year to 206 million dollars this quarter.
The US recorded EBITDA growth of 6.8%, while the ‘rest of the world’ segment grew slowest at 2.7%. (www.foodbev.com)
