PARIS, April 12, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Groupe DANONE:
Consolidated sales
In the first quarter of 2001, Groupe DANONE reported consolidated sales of EUR 3.423 million (FRF 22.453 million) compared with EUR 3.325 million, (FRF 21.808 million) in the first three months of 2000, an increase of 3.0%.
Like-for-like sales increased by 6.6% as acquisitions and disposals trimmed sales by 5.0% (deconsolidation of the European beer business sold in 2000 has not been offset by newly consolidated subsidiaries), while currency translation (primarily the U.S. dollar) led to a 1.4% rise.
Sales by business line and geographical area were as follows:
(in EUR million) First-quarter sales
2000 2001 2001
(in FRF m)
By business line
Dairy products 1,578 1,692 11,099
Beverages 933 860 5,641
Biscuits 727 786 5,156
Other food business 90 89 584
Intra-group sales - 3 -4 -27
Group total 3,325 3,423 22,453
By geographical area
France 1,122 998 6,546
Rest of European Union 1,204 1,190 7,806
Rest of World 1,193 1,453 9,531
Inter-zone sales - 194 - 218 -1,430
Group total 3,325 3,423 22,453
LIKE-FOR-LIKE SALES GROWTH
On a like-for-like basis (at constant structure and exchange rates), sales increased by 6.6% in the first quarter of 2001 over the first quarter of 2000.
In line with Group objectives, sustained sales growth was achieved in an environment much more contrasted than during the first quarter of 2000. This robust growth, particularly considering the high comparable basis of 2000 (8.9% vs 1999 excluding beer), demonstrates the strength and vitality of group brands and their marketing mix potential.
Growth is analyzed as follows by business line and geographical area:
First quarter 2001
By business line
Dairy products +7.0%
Beverages +9.4%
Biscuits +3.5%
Other food business +2.4%
Group total +6.6%
By geographical area (Note 1)
France +6.3%
Rest of European Union +6.6%
Rest of world +6.8%
Group total +6.6%
(1) after elimination of intra-zone sales
This 6.6% sales growth is derived from volume for 5.5% and 1.1% from value.
The achievement of the first quarter of 2001 confirmed the strength and relevance of the Groupe DANONE profitable growth model.
Schedule
-- May 29, 2001: Shareholder's Annual General Meeting of Groupe
DANONE
-- June 6, 2001: Dividend payment
-- July 25, 2001: Announcement of half year sales and preliminary
half year results of 2001