The markets of the Western Europe region maintained the strong sales momentum achieved in the first two quarters of the year. The good performance stemmed from sales and marketing efforts deployed in highly competitive markets and against a lackluster economic backdrop.
Sales in the North and East Europe region were negatively impacted by unfavorable currency fluctuations, operating difficulties arising from the unrest in Ukraine, and a weakened economic environment in Germany.
Sales in the Americas, Asia-Pacific region advanced versus Q3 2013. During the period, the Group inaugurated its new Mini Babybel® production site in the United States.
The Greater Africa region continued to achieve good sales growth and to gain ground in all its markets in Q3 2014.
Sales in the Near and Middle East remained very robust during the period, with the region once again reporting double-digit growth. This excellent performance reflects the relevance of the sales and marketing strategies put into place and the ability of the Group’s organization to adapt to a geopolitically unstable environment.
Outlook for 2014
Sales growth, selective price increases and efforts to tightly control costs will not be enough to offset the high price of raw materials and the negative impact of foreign exchange variations observed on average over the year.
The Group will nevertheless continue to follow its aggressive strategy to advance its positions around the world by building on the vitality of its brands and the talent of its teams.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such trend and/or target information should in no way be regarded as earnings forecast data or performance indicators of any kind. This information is by nature subject to risks and uncertainties that may be beyond the Company’s control. A detailed description of these risks and uncertainties is provided in the Company’s Registration Document, available at (www.groupe-bel.com). More comprehensive information about the Bel Group can be found in the “Regulatory Information” section of the www.groupe-bel.comwebsite.
PRESS CONTACT – Burson Marsteller i&e
Stéphanie Bruhière
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