(AOF) – The turnover for the first half of the 2023-2024 financial year of the Bonduelle group stands at 1.21 billion euros compared to 1.24 billion euros for the same period a year ago , an increase of +4.5% on a comparable basis and a decrease of 2.4% on a published basis. “The growth in turnover for the second quarter shows an acceleration, compared to the first quarter of the financial year,” explains the specialist in the industrial processing of vegetables.
Currency developments have a negative effect on activity growth of -6.9%, mainly linked to the depreciation of the Russian ruble and to a lesser extent that of the American dollar.
The Europe zone, which represents 64.8% of activity over the period, displays an overall increase of +6.4% at current exchange rates and +5.9% on a comparable basis over the first half of the year. , with progress in all technologies over the half-year.
The group will communicate on its outlook for turnover and profitability for the 2023-2024 financial year when it presents its half-year results on March 1, 2024.
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Soaring energy prices and a call for help
In the past, energy represented a fixed cost of 3% of turnover. This year, this percentage rises to 5% or even 7% for VSE-SMEs, according to Ania (National Association of Food Industries. Professionals are very worried because until the end of 2022 they generally benefit from coverage to cushion these increases However, they are not renewed for 2023 and after. Consequently, 25 of the main inter-professional organizations (Intercéales, Inaporc, Semae, etc.) are calling on the State for help in the face of the erosion of their margins and their capacity to investment.
The State has proposed several devices, including an “electricity shock absorber”, which are considered insufficient. The organizations also deplore the failure of European negotiations to achieve a price shield to avoid distortions of competition. Agriculture and agri-food demand a maximum ceiling price of €180/MWh while many companies buy at prices above €500/MWh on the French market.