Interim Management Statement

RNS Number : 6638E

Hilton Food Group PLC

15 May 2013

 



Hilton Food Group plc

                                                                                                                        15^th May 2013

                                                INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT

Hilton Food Group plc, Europe's leading specialist retail meat packing business, provides its Interim Management Statement for the period from 31^st December 2012 to date, ahead of its Annual General Meeting to be held at noon today.

During the period, our performance has been in line with the Board's expectations. We have continued to benefit from our geographical diversity and grow the business, whilst as anticipated, challenging conditions for the consumer have been experienced in some markets.

In Western Europe we have made good progress in a number of markets. Our newest facility in Denmark  is progressing well, and we are continuing to build up the volume of product that is being sorted by the new robotic store order picking facility. There has been turnover growth in Sweden, and the Dutch business is benefitting from new product lines. Both the UK and Ireland have remained challenging particularly given the well publicised industry issues faced  in the first quarter and continuing difficult macro-economic conditions. Our business in Central Europe, where Hilton supplies customers in seven countries, has continued to perform well.

In Australia, the development work by the Joint Venture at Bunbury  is proceeding in line with the agreed plan.

The Group's financial position remains strong, there being no significant changes to this position since the financial year end.

Hilton continues to explore opportunities to grow the business in both domestic and overseas markets.

The Group expects to issue a Pre-Close Trading Statement on 18^th July 2013 and its Interim Results for the 28 weeks ended 14^th  July 2013 on 10^th  September 2013.

For further information please contact: 

Hilton Food Group plc                                             Tel: [phone]

Robert Watson, OBE, Chief Executive

Nigel Majewski, Finance Director

Citigate Dewe Rogerson                                        Tel: [phone]

Tom Baldock

 

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