Strong growth at CCHBC
with operations in 26 countries, has reported strong growth in
sales and profits for the first half of the year.
Coca-Cola Hellenic HBC, the world's second largest Coke bottler with operations in 26 countries, has reported strong growth in sales and profits for the first half of the year.
Volume sales for the half reached 613 million cases, an 18 per cent hike on the previous year, while revenues were up 17 per cent to €1.98 billion. Net profits were particularly good, rising from breakeven in 2001 to €16.9 million year-on-year.
Irial Finan, managing director of the Greek company, said he was pleased with the growth, and that the steady growth in sales across all its markets promised well for the future. The continued move into non-carbonated drinks would also help drive sales and profits, he said. CCHBC is in the process of acquiring the water brands Valser in Switzerland and Dorna in Romania.
Volume growth in the company's established markets was driven by the core carbonates, juices and water business, while steady additions to the core portfolio and the extension of distribution channels helped drive sales in emerging markets such as Russia, Romania, Ukraine and Yugoslavia.
Looking ahead to the end of the year, Finan said he expected to see further growth in sales volumes in the second half, although the end of the summer selling period and continued problems in the emerging market of Nigeria would mean a slowdown in the rate of growth.
