In the first quarter, Nestle reports organic growth was 4.2 percent, composed of 2.6 percent real internal growth and 1.6 percent pricing. As a result, the total evolution of sales was -5.1 percent.
The company continued to grow in all geographies: 4.6 percent in the Americas, 0.3 percent in Europe and 7.3 percent in Asia, Oceania and Africa. The developed markets grew 0.6 percent and the emerging markets 8.5 percent.
In North America the market remained subdued and the severe weather conditions had an impact across the categories. With consumer spending low, new product launches drove performance including DiGiorno Pizzeria, California Pizza Kitchen Thin and Crispy, Girl Scout flavors for Coffee-mate, Lean Cuisine Stuffed Pretzels, and in confectionery, Butterfinger Cups. In petcare the rollout of Lightweight and Glade cat litters supported growth, as did the re-introduction of Waggin’ Train. Full report.
