Agrana Opens 2012/13 With Strong First Quarter

Due to the high degree of volatility in terms of commodity and selling prices forecast in the coming quarters, the Company's guidance for the full year, a bottom-line result slightly below the solid performance of the previous year, remains unchanged.

26 June 2012 --- For the first three months of 2012/13, Agrana has reported an increase in consolidated revenues compared to the prior year from €613 million ($765 million) to €775 million ($967 million). The operating profit after exceptional items rose compared to the prior period from €61.6 million ($77 million) to €70.9 million ($88 million).

Due to the high degree of volatility in terms of commodity and selling prices forecast in the coming quarters, the Company's guidance for the full year, a bottom-line result slightly below the solid performance of the previous year, remains unchanged.

As scheduled, the Group will be publishing further details of the development of business and additional information on the various segments on 12 July 2012.

Revenue grew by 19% in the 2011/12 financial year to a company best of €2,577.6 million ($3,315.5).

After the exceptionally good results of 2011/12, earnings in 2012/13 are predicted to come in slightly below last year’s. Agrana is making it a high priority to realise lasting cost savings and thus achieve a sustained, elevated level of earnings, through ongoing optimisation of purchasing strategies and cost management as well as focused improvements in energy consumption.

Currently Agrana expects a further moderate increase in Group revenue in 2012/13 on overall slight volume growth and higher average prices than last year. In terms of operating profit, however, it will be difficult to surpass 2011/12.

The start of June saw Agrana appoint management for its joint venture wtih Ybbstaler Fruit Austria Gmbh. The objective of YBBSTALER AGRANA JUICE GmbH is to more intensively manage international markets and consequently create additional potential for growth. The company intends to establish itself as a leading supplier of fruit juice concentrates, fruit purees, beverage ingredients and direct juices.

Together, the companies produce fruit juice concentrates, fruit purees and natural flavourings as well as beverage ingredients and direct juices for use by the beverages industry. The joint venture, which employs around 800 personnel, has its head offices at Kröllendorf in Lower Austria and 14 facilities in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, the Ukraine and China.