Dole Food Company CEO David DeLorenzo and CFO Joseph Tesoriero have this week outlined their hopes for the rest of 2010, while also looking back on a tough 12-months for the group.
In a conference call on Thursday 25 March, Mr DeLorenzo highlighted the areas in which he expected improvements through the coming year, The Packer reported.
The CEO said that he anticipated strong growth in Dole's bagged salad line, while also forecasting an improvement in tropical fruit sales as demand grows in Russia, China and other growth markets.
Improving banana markets could be boosted by the recent decision to reduce tariffs on Latin American bananas shipped to Europe, he noted, while there could also be generally strong growth in Asian sales through the second half of the year.
Meanwhile, a review of the US-based multinational's full-year results outlined just what a difficult year it had proved to be in 2009.
Fresh fruit revenues dropped from US$5.4bn (€4bn) in 2008 to US$4.7bn (€3.5bn) last year, they confirmed, while fresh vegetable revenues fell from US$1.1bn (€825m) to US$1.03bn (€772.9m) in 2009.
Net Earnings Before interest, Taxation, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) fell from US$123m (€92m) in 2008 to US$88m (€66m), although there was some positive news as the company reduced its debt from US$2.1bn (€1.6bn) to US$1.5bn (€1.1bn).
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