Bonduelle

French fresh convenience specialist Bonduelle this week announced an improvement in profitability during the first half of 2011/12, revealing that operating income is expected to be at the top of the range expected for the fiscal year.

Turnover at the group grew by 2.1 per cent like-for-like in the first half ending 31 December 2011, while operating profit reached €45.8m, with a margin of 5.2 per cent, compared with the 4 per cent recorded a year earlier.

This increase was driven by healthy volumes and prices, cost saving measures, and the withdrawal of its frozen business in Spain, the company said in a statement.

Meanwhile, net profit for the term increased by some 19.2 per cent to €18.4m.