NORWAY: Orkla has reported a 10% increase in operating profit in the first quarter of 2015 | Progresiv

Orkla's first-quarter operating revenues increased to 7,541 million Norwegian krone (893 million euros), up from 7,013 million Norwegian krone (830 million euros) in the first quarter of 2014. Branded Consumer Goods achieved 4.3% organic growth. There was sales growth in all the business areas, even when adjusted for positive Easter effects.

The increase in sales in the quarter was largely volume-driven. There were several major launches of new products, including the AquaDerma skin care range from Lilleborg, Big Cut chips from Orkla Confectionery & Snacks and Pastella vegetable pasta from Orkla Foods Danmark. Orkla increased its advertising investments in the first quarter.

First-quarter profit from associates and joint ventures (primarily Sapa, Jotun and Gränges) amounted to 238 million Norwegian krone (28.2 million euros), compared with 55 million Norwegian krone (6.5 million euros) in the same quarter of 2014. (www.food-business-review.com)