Campari

Gruppo Campari, an Italy-based producer of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, has reported gross profit of EUR161.7m for the first quarter of 2012, up 3.6%, compared to that of 2011 Q1.

The rise in the gross profit was mainly due to favorable sales mix.

Sales for the first quarter 2012 was €279.3m, a growth of 4% and organic growth of 2.8%, compared to first quarter of 2011.

Pre-tax profit was €52.8m for the Q1 2012, an increase by 4.6%, compared to Q1 2011.

Net financial bebt decreased from €636.6m in 31 December 2011 to €589.5m in 31 March 2012.

Gruppo Campari CEO Bob Kunze-Concewitz said first quarter 2012 results were in line with expectations, resulting in positive organic growth in sales and operating profit performance, despite a tough comparison base and the anticipated one-off’s.

"We achieved positive growth across all the key spirit brands as well as key markets with the exception of Brazil and Russia," Kunze-Concewitz said.

"Importantly, the business confirmed its resiliency in Italy and Germany, gained momentum in the US and continued to perform very strongly in markets where distributions was recently insourced, including Australia, Argentina and Mexico.

"With Russia progressing as planned and first quarter 2012 results in line with expectations, we remain cautiously optimistic for the full year."

Gruppo Campari produces spirits, wines and soft drinks.

The company’s soft drinks portfolio comprises of Crodino, LemonSoda, OranSoda, PelmoSoda, TonicSoda, Crodo soft drinks and mineral water.

Image: Gruppo Campari produces alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as wines, spritis, sodas, soft drinks and mineral water. Photo: Gruppo Campari