Fyffes tropicals

Fyffes has reported increased sales and profits in first-half results it described as solid.

Group revenue excluding its share of joint ventures in the fix months to 30 June increased 7.5 per cent to €476 million, while pre-tax profits rose 1.1 per cent to €22.2m.

The banana, pineapple and melon trading company, which operates an international integrated supply chain growing, distribution and marketing the fruit, gave a positive picture looking ahead.

“Having achieved a significant step up in profits in 2012, Fyffes is pleased to have grown its business further and consolidated its earnings at this higher level in the first half of 2013,” said chairman David McCann. “Trading conditions have remained positive in the early months of the second half.”

On the back of the results Fyffes has increased its target EBITA range for the full year 2013 from €27-33m to €29-34m. The figure was €30.5m in 2012.