The Greenery has revealed its financial results for 2015, calling them 'positive' and a 'good basis for further growth in revenue and volumes'.
According to the company, sales increased by 2 per cent on the previous year to €1.1bn, while net profit grew to €4.2m, up from €2m.
The Greenery said that the restructuring of its organisation, coupled with efficiency improvements, a strong retail chain and cost reductions, had helped drive its results throughout 2015.
Sales growth was achieved despite declining volumes, The Greenery said, and was down to higher prices when compared with 2014, the result of many product groups being effected by unfavourable weather conditions.
EBITDA came to €24m, an improvement of €3m, while the organisation said that it realised 'significant cost savings' of €8m.
Looking ahead, the management board said it anticipated that volumes would stabilise this year, to match levels seen in 2015, with retail sales expected to grow, in line with its strategy.
'The profitability will improve further in 2016, partly due to further cost savings and logistics optimisations,' the group stated. 'The company continues to further optimise the supply chain. It showed that the fully implemented SAP system provides an important competitive advantage.
'In 2016, the expansion of the retail distribution centre in Barendrecht will be put into operation, which will also accommodate import activities. This will further improve efficiency. The new soft fruit distribution centre building in Breda will also be completed in late 2016, leading to further efficiency.
'The changes in the business organisation will also improve cooperation with the growers, which lays the foundation for membership growth in the future.'
The company said that it would continue to focus on reducing costs, growing volumes and revenue, and adding to its sustainable chain with retail customers and adding value to products through innovation and marketing.
