Barry Callebaut: 9-Month Sales FY 2013/14 - Cocoa Acquisition Drives Strong Volume Expansion

03 Jul 2014 --- Total sales volume of Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high quality chocolate and cocoa products, increased by 15.8% to 1,288,365 tonnes at the close of the first 9 months of fiscal year 2013/14 (up to May 31, 2014).

On a stand-alone basis, excluding the effect of the acquired cocoa business, the Group’s sales volume grew by 2.4% to 1,138,736 tonnes. Volume growth was driven by emerging markets (+63.0% total; +18.2% stand-alone) and the Gourmet & Specialty Products business (+6.9%).

In its industrial business, Barry Callebaut continued to focus on increasing product margins and being more selective in sales: Overall volume growth was +1.8%. The Gourmet business outperformed the markets in most countries (+6.9%), supported by a double-digit growth of the company’s global brands Callebaut and Cacao Barry.

Sales revenue was up 22.0% to CHF 4,318.7 million for the total business. Compared to the prior year, higher average raw material costs pushed up sale prices: On a stand-alone basis, sales revenue rose 6.8% to CHF 3,782.7 million.

Outlook – Completion of integration and continued focus on growth strategy
CEO Juergen Steinemann said, looking ahead: “Our priorities remain to complete the integration of the acquired cocoa business and to strengthen our product margins. At the same time, in alignment with our growth strategy, we are preparing the Group for the next growth phase by expanding existing factories and further investing in our overall organization. We are on track to reach our mid-term targets.4”

Strategic developments in the first 9 months of fiscal year 2013/14

- The new chocolate factory in Santiago de Chile emphasizes Barry Callebaut’s strong commitment to “Expansion.” The factory, which goes on stream in July 2014, has a manufacturing capacity in excess of 20,000 tonnes. The investment amounts to CHF 26.5 million (EUR 21.8 million / USD 30.3 million). This expansion enables Barry Callebaut to further tap into the attractive South American market.
- As a leader in “Innovation,” Barry Callebaut received a positive Scientific Opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to extend its existing health claim for cocoa extract products, which have a higher concentration of health-enhancing flavanols. The company is now awaiting the approval of the EU Commission. If granted, Barry Callebaut’s health claim could be applied to new products in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, medical nutrition and health-supplement industry sectors.
- With a strong focus on “Sustainable Cocoa,” Barry Callebaut is a leading force in the industry. The company helped to form the “CocoaAction” strategy of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) – considered one of the most significant initiatives in sustainable cocoa farming. In May 2014, Barry Callebaut was amongst the 12 initiating signatories of “CocoaAction.” In June, the company organized the 2nd international stakeholder conference CHOCOVISION. Both initiatives foster collaboration in the global cocoa and chocolate industry and aim to accelerate the sustainability of the cocoa sector.
- As per June 17, 2014, the Group extended their EUR 600 million Syndicated Revolving Credit Facility by 3 years (from June 2016 to June 2019). This further strengthens Barry Callebaut’s liquidity and duration profile while slightly reducing the applicable credit spreads.

Regional / Segment performance

Region Europe5 – Focus on product margins, good growth in EEMEA

Sales volume in Region Europe decreased by 0.2% to 553,291 tonnes.

In Western Europe, Barry Callebaut continues to focus on increasing product margins. The Gourmet business performed strongly. Additional capacity installed will support future growth.
In EEMEA, the Food Manufacturers and Gourmet & Specialties Products businesses continue to grow at double digit rates, but slowed down in some countries with economic and political issues.
Overall sales revenue in the Region grew by 10.0% to CHF 1,923.3 million as a result of higher raw material prices and a more favorable product mix.

Region Americas – Good performance across all markets and businesses
Sales volume across Region Americas increased by 6.2% to 327,695 tonnes. In NAFTA, volume growth was driven by the company’s global accounts and the Gourmet business, primarily the imported brands and decorations. Once more Mexico performed strongly. In South America both the industrial and Gourmet business recorded double-digit growth.
Sales revenue rose 7.4% to CHF 927.3 million, as a result of a better product mix.

Region Asia-Pacific – Maintaining pace of growth
The volumes in Region Asia-Pacific showed continued growth at +9.6% to 49,069 tonnes primarily driven by the Food Manufacturers Products business. The Gourmet business declined as a result of unfavorable currency exchange rates and an economic slow-down.
Sales revenue increased by 11.3% to CHF 187.7 million, largely in line with volumes.

Global Cocoa6 – Acquired cocoa business as a growth driver
Sales volume in the segment Global Cocoa went up 75.0% to 358,310 tonnes driven by the acquired cocoa business from Petra Foods. On a stand-alone basis, sales volume increased 1.9% to 208,681 tonnes, reflecting selective sales in an overall challenging market for cocoa powder products.
Sales revenue for the total business grew by 68.3% to CHF 1,280.4 million. On a stand-alone basis sales revenue decreased by 2.1% to CHF 744.4 million as a result of currency effects.

The integration of the acquired cocoa business from Petra Foods is progressing well and synergy targets are confirmed (target amount CHF 30-35 million by the end of fiscal year 2015/16). With most global milestones being achieved, responsibility for the completion of the integration is now gradually moving into the Regions.

Raw material prices

A good start to the mid-crop cocoa harvest, further helped by record rainfalls in the West African region could turn an expected deficit for the 2013/14 season into a slight surplus. Funds consequently sold a significant share of their net long positions. But some industry buying promptly supported prices. In light of the anticipated structural deficit and El Niño forecast, prices steadily increased, finally reaching a two and a half-year high on May 30, 2014 at GBP 1,932.

As of March, prices on the world sugar market started to increase significantly, also fueled by concerns of a drought in Brazil. After three consecutive surplus campaigns, the market will be more in balance this year. Overall demand was lower as coverage of the industry was good. European sugar prices continued to decrease as a result of a good supply situation.
High market prices fuelled good milk production. Overall demand for milk powder lagged behind supply, resulting in market price decreases over the last few months on both the world and European market. Prices are currently at the same level as a year ago.