The Barry Callebaut AG, Zürich, has reported continued strong sales volume growth of 7.9% to 1,751,422 tonnes during the first nine months of fiscal year 2021/22 (August 31). Sales revenue amounted to CHF 6.07 bn, up 15.1% in local currencies (+ 13.5% in CHF).

Organic volume growth, excluding the first-time consolidation of Europe Chocolate Company (ECC) as of September 2021, amounted to + 7.1% in the first nine months. The chocolate business continued its strong momentum in the third quarter (+ 7.5%), against a high comparison base. The chocolate volume growth of + 9.1% over the first nine months of fiscal year 2021/22 was well ahead of the underlying global chocolate confectionery market (+ 1.4%; source: Nielsen volume growth excluding e-commerce – 25 countries, September 2021 to April/May 2022, data subject to adjustment to match Barry Callebaut’s reporting period).

Volume growth continued to be supported by all Regions (EMEA + 9.8%, Americas + 6.6%, Asia Pacific + 14.7%), with positive contributions from the Group’s key growth drivers Gourmet & Specialties (+ 27.4%), Emerging Markets (+ 8.7%) and Outsourcing (+ 6.9%). Sales volume in Global Cocoa grew by + 3.5% to 339,437 tonnes.

Peter Boone, CEO of the Barry Callebaut Group, explained: “Thanks to our great team, we are delivering continued strong volume growth across all Regions. These excellent results were achieved on the back of a strong chocolate performance, with another outstanding performance by Gourmet, in the third quarter against a high comparison base.” Looking ahead, Boone said: “Our strong innovation pipeline and continued drive for new opportunities make us confident to deliver on our mid-term guidance. Our confidence is bolstered by our deep and broad product portfolio and our global footprint.”