Hilton Food Group has posted a half-year trading update that is “in line with expectations”.
Citing challenging consumer conditions and the appreciation of sterling against other currencies having an effect on the meat packing company’s performance for the 28 weeks ended 12 July 2015, Hilton said it has expanded over the past six months. It is also looking to grow opportunities in both domestic and overseas markets.
Its trading update stated: “We have continued to grow the business, through additional volumes and close cooperation with our retail partners.
“In Western Europe, we have made good progress in a number of markets. In the UK, where we have expanded our production facilities, volumes have continued to build towards anticipated levels.
“In the Dutch market, we have continued to see volume growth, and have helped
Albert Heijn in the development of its recently opened innovation centre. We are also encouraged by the performance of our business in Ireland, where we have seen growth in the first half of 2015. For both Sweden and Denmark, conditions have remained testing, while in Central Europe, where Hilton supplies customers in seven countries, trading has been in line with the board’s expectations.
“In Australia, development work by the joint venture at Victoria is proceeding in line with the agreed plan, with the equipping of the plant substantially complete and test-running having commenced ahead of start-up in the third quarter.”