The Nestlé group has reported a sharp rise in net profits of 79 per cent to 5.9 billion Swiss francs for the first half of 2002.
In a statement this morning, the company said profits reflected growth across the board in the company’s business that saw consolidated sales up 7.2 per cent to 44.2 billion francs.
Real internal growth improved over the first quarter to 3.5 per cent, with organic growth up to 4.7 per cent, and operating cash flow grew by 14.5 per cent to 2.8 billion francs.
Mr Peter Brabeck, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Nestlé, said: "Our sound financial policies have allowed us to further increase our profit margins and at the same time to grow both internally as well as externally".
The company said it expected to maintain its current performance over the second quarter.