Massive increases in the price of pork affect Bell Food Group’s operating results
19.06.2019, Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR, Switzerland
Pork price increases in excess of 30% since the beginning of the year have placed a strain on the operating results of Bell Food Group. The higher procurement costs in the EU region have not yet been able to be passed on to sales prices to the extent required. EBIT for the first half of 2019 is set to stagnate below CHF 50 million (previous year CHF 55.2 million).
The outbreak of African Swine Fever in China has led to major upheavals in the international market for pork. Exports from the EU to China have increased significantly, which, in addition to lower production, has further reduced supply in Europe. As a result, procurement prices have risen by more than 30% in the first half of this year, with even significantly higher increases for certain cuts. The Bell International charcuterie segment has been particularly affected, most noticeably in Germany, where higher procurement costs have not yet been able to be passed on to sales prices to the extent required. The weather-related weak start to the barbecue season and the planned non-recurring costs resulting from the reorganisation of the Bad Wünnenberg plant have had an additional negative impact on earnings.
For these reasons, Bell Food Group’s EBIT is set to stagnate below CHF 50 million in the first half of 2019 (CHF 55.2 million last year). Bell Switzerland is doing well, and the Convenience division continues to develop very positively. Major steps have been taken to counteract the drop in earnings. Further details on the half-year financial statement of the Bell Food Group will be provided when the half-year results are announced on 14 August 2019.
About the Bell Food Group
The Bell Food Group is one of the leading meat processors and convenience specialists in Europe. Its range of products includes meat, poultry, charcuterie, seafood and convenience products. With the brands Bell, Eisberg, Hilcona and Hügli, the Group meets a diversity of customer needs. Its customers include the retail trade as well as the food service sector and the food processing industry. Around 12,500 employees generate annual revenues of around CHF 4 billion. The Bell Food Group is listed on the Swiss stock exchange.
