NORWAY: Orkla sees growth in competitive markets | Progresiv
Nordic food group Orkla booked an increase in full-year sales and earnings despite currency fluctuations and "competitive markets". During 2015, Orkla's operating revenues increased by 12%, to 33.2 billion krone (3.88 billion dollars). Operating profit rose by 12% in the year to end-December to 3.6 billion krone (420 million dollars), the company revealed. 
President and CEO Peter Ruzicka stressed the company was able to achieve organic turnover growth in "highly competitive markets".
He added: "In addition, we made several important acquisitions in 2015 that will strengthen our operations going forward."
In December, Orkla concluded an agreement to purchase the Hamé food company, which has a number of strong brands in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania. The acquisition of Hamé will double Orkla's turnover in central Europe, the company revealed. Earlier in the year, the group also struck a deal to acquire personal care business Cederroth. (www.just-food.com)
