In fiscal year 2019/20 (ended 31 August 2020), the Barry Callebaut Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, saw its sales volume decline by –2.0 % to 2,095,982 t, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. After a –14.3 % decline in the third quarter at the height of the pandemic, sales volume showed a recovery in the fourth quarter (–4.3 %).

Sales volume in the chocolate business declined by –2.1 % in the fiscal year under review. The underlying global chocolate confectionery market was down –0.3 % in the year under review according to Nielsen. Sales volume in global cocoa was down –2.0 %.

Sales revenue declined by –0.4 % in local currencies (–5.7 % in CHF) to CHF 6,893. m. Gross profit amounted to CHF 1,063.7 m, a decline of –6.8 % in local currencies (–11.3 % in CHF) compared to prior year. The volume decline in the second half of the year due to the Covid-19 lockdowns, particularly in Gourmet & Specialties, had an adverse impact on the product mix.