FDBusiness.com

Glanbia, the international nutritional solutions and cheese group, has reported that international demand for dairy products has remained solid in the first three months of 2012, supported by demand from developing economies. Prices for most dairy categories have weakened in the year to date, mainly due to an oversupply of milk resulting from sustained good weather in most milk producing regions. Similarly, US cheese prices have also declined in response to strong US milk production. Robust demand for higher end whey products continues, reflecting very good demand across all sectors of nutritionals, with prices firm in the face of tight short-term supply of these key ingredients.

In the first quarter, to the period end 31 March 2012, Glanbia’s total revenue grew 1.9% when compared with the first three months of 2011. Volume was down 1.5% as lower volumes in Dairy Ingredients and Agribusiness more than offset growth in Global Nutritionals. Overall pricing was up 3.4% driven by higher year on year pricing in Global Nutritionals.

John Moloney, group managing director of Glanbia, comments: “The group is performing in line with expectations in what is a more challenging operating environment this year. We expect to deliver earnings in the first half of 2012 which are broadly similar to an exceptionally strong first half in 2011. We are successfully driving growth in nutritionals and the depth and strength of the portfolio in these dynamic growth sectors positions Glanbia well for the future. We remain focused on strong cost management and operational execution across the business. We reiterate our full year guidance of 5% to 7% growth in adjusted earnings per share, on a constant currency basis, for 2012.”