Strauss Group, an Israel-based food and beverages company, has reported sales of ILS1.9bn ($471.44m) for the second quarter (Q2) ended 30 June 2012, up by 5.2%, compared to the sales of ILS1.8bn ($446.53m) during the same period the previous year.

Gross profit was increased from ILS649m ($161.1m) in the three months ended 30 June 2011 to ILS665m ($165m) in the latest quarter, an increase of 2.5%.

Operating profit was ILS125m ($31m), up by 0.5%, as against ILS125m ($31m) during the comparable period last year.

Net income decreased by 10% to ILS35m ($8.69m) from ILS39m ($9.68m) in Q2 2011.

Strauss Group chairperson Ofra Strauss said the group continues to implement its work plans while making adjustments for the economic challenges in the various markets where it is active.

Strauss Group president and CEO Gadi Lesin said the firm continues to grow, posting an increase of 5.2% in sales in the second quarter and crossing the four billion shekel mark in sales in the first half.

"The Group has maintained its operating profit despite further increases in production inputs, a weakening of the currencies in relation to the dollar and challenges in Israel, mainly thanks to the improvement in profit in activities outside of Israel, strict control of expenses and streamlining measures applied to general and administrative expenses," Lesin added.