Pet food driving growth

Nestlé has published its figures for the first six months of 2021. It has also increased its forecast for organic sales growth over the year as a whole.
According to the press release, group sales rose by 1.5 per cent to 41.8 bn Swiss francs or approx. 38.78 bn euros (same period in the previous year: 41.2 bn Swiss francs or 38.22 bn euros). Organic growth of between five and six per cent is expected for the full year.
Looked at by product category, coffee contributed most to the sales growth, followed by Purina pet products, which likewise recorded a double-digit increase. With regard to sales channels, retail sales recorded organic growth of 7.3 per cent, slowing in the second quarter on account of the high comparison basis of 2020 to a medium single-digit rise. Dynamics were also strong in most categories, especially for coffee, Purina pet products and culinary products.
Against the background of a high comparison basis for 2020, the North and South America country zone (AMS) displayed organic growth in the high single-digit range. Gains in market share were led by coffee, pet food, dairy products and infant and baby food. Purina products once again accounted for the highest share of growth in North America with a continuing dynamic e-commerce performance.
The Europe, Middle East and North Africa zone (EMENA) also recorded strong single-digit growth, supported by a continuing strong e-commerce trend. All regions experienced positive growth, with coffee and Purina pet products registering a double-digit rise among the product categories. Purina continued to perform strongly with the premium brands Felix, Purina Pro Plan and Purina ONE as well as in the veterinary category. Tails.com and Lily's Kitchen also exhibited a dynamic trend based on an expanding consumer reach.
In the Asia, Oceania and Sub-Saharan Africa zone (AOA), market share was acquired in most categories and primarily in pet food, coffee, confectionery and culinary products.