Camposol harvesting

Peruvian agricultural company Camposol has released its results for the second quarter (Q2) and first half (H1) of the year, with growth achieved in both sales and earnings throughout the six-month period.

Higher volumes and prices – up 5.8 per cent and 27 per cent respectively – helped to drive up sales by 34.5 per cent in the second quarter of the year, up to US$40m (€32.4m). For the opening six months, revenues amounted to US$77.5m (€63m), boosted by higher selling prices of around 30 per cent.

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was US$3.5m and US$7.1m for the second quarter and first half respectively, up from US$3m and US$6.2m in the corresponding periods of 2011.

Looking ahead, Camposol said that long-term growth prospects for exotic fruit and vegetable markets were excellent, with growth in both avocados and mangoes. While asparagus consumption is stable, supply is dropping due, in the most part, to falling exports from China.

The company expects good demand for all fresh produce in general, and avocado specifically, in both the US and Europe, with Camposol focused on adding value to its clients through commercial, marketing and service initiatives which 'should result in higher margins'.

Additionally, the Peruvian company said that it was analysing new opportunities to consolidate its leadership through additional planting of current crops, new crops, strategic alliances and acquisitions.