Vevey, April 11, 2002 – The Nestlé Group's consolidated sales reached CHF 21.3 billion during the first three months of 2002, a 10.1 percent increase over the CHF 19.4 billion in the period January-March 2001, helped by the first-time inclusion of the sales of Ralston Purina which are consolidated since January 1st. At comparable structure and constant exchange rates, sales rose by 5.0 percent.
Cumulative real internal growth at the end of March amounted to 3.3 percent, building a solid base for achieving the Group's RIG objective of four percent.
All major currencies – with the exception of the Mexican peso and the US dollar – depreciated against the Swiss franc, resulting in an adverse foreign exchange effect of 2.8 percent on consoli-dated sales. In addition, Nestlé was able to increase prices by 1.7 percent in this period.
The largest single factor in the nominal sales growth, amounting to 7.9 percent, is represented by acquisitions clear of divestitures. It should be noted that Schöller sales are consolidated in Group sales starting March only.
All major currencies – with the exception of the Mexican peso and the US dollar – depreciated against the Swiss franc, resulting in an adverse foreign exchange effect of 2.8 percent on consoli-dated sales. In addition, Nestlé was able to increase prices by 1.7 percent in this period.
The largest single factor in the nominal sales growth, amounting to 7.9 percent, is represented by acquisitions clear of divestitures. It should be noted that Schöller sales are consolidated in Group sales starting March only.
| Sales by Management Responsibilities and Geographic Area | ||||
| Jan.–March | Jan.–March | Variation | Internal Growth | |
| 2002 | 2001 | Jan.–March 2002 | ||
| in CHF Million | % | % | ||
| Zone Europe | 6'628 | 6'434 | 3 | 1.8 |
| Zone Americas | 7'154 | 5'785 | 23.7 | 2.1 |
| Zone Asia, Oceania | 3'633 | 3'624 | 0.3 | 2.6 |
| and Africa | ||||
| Water * | 1'740 | 1'556 | 11.8 | 10.8 |
| Other Activities | 2'156 | 1'953 | 10.4 | 7.9 |
| Total | 21'311 | 19'352 | 10.1 | 3.3 |
* Comprises only bottled water activities; the "Trinks" beverage distribution business figures among "Other Activities"
All geographic zones contributed to this growth; excellent progress was achieved in the water busi-ness as well as in pharmaceuticals. Eastern Europe continues to produce double-digit real internal growth.
All geographic zones contributed to this growth; excellent progress was achieved in the water busi-ness as well as in pharmaceuticals. Eastern Europe continues to produce double-digit real internal growth.
| Sales by Product Group | ||||
| Jan.–March | Jan.–March | Variation | Real Internal Growth | |
| 2002 | 2001 | Jan.–March | ||
| in CHF Million | % | % | ||
| Beverages | 5'449 | 5'343 | 2 | 4.7 |
| Milk/Nutrition | 5'489 | 5'197 | 5.6 | 2.4 |
| Culinary | 3'789 | 3'629 | 4.4 | 2.4 |
| Petcare | 2'653 | 1'411 | 88 | 2 |
| Chocolate/ Confectionery | a2'623 | 2'588 | 1.3 | 1.8 |
| Pharma | 1'308 | 1'184 | 10.5 | 9.7 |
| Total | 21'311 | 19'352 | 10.1 | 3.3 |
The petcare business showed strong growth of 88 percent, reflecting of course the Purina acquisition, but also real internal growth despite the intensive integration activities.
The first quarter was further marked by the first steps of the integration of Ralston Purina with the Friskies operation, by the successful conclusion of the Schöller acquisition in Germany and Western Europe as well as by the successful partial IPO for Alcon on the New York Stock Exchange. The Group looks with confidence at the current year. Unless there are major economic or monetary downturns, the Nestlé Group should again be able to report record sales and profits at the end of 2002.