Nestlé enjoys comfortable quarter

SWITZERLAND РA 3.5% increase in sales for Nestlĩ in the first quarter is a reflection of strong growth in the Americas, as well as Asia, Oceania and Africa, according to the company.

In terms of products, chief executive Peter Brabeck said that milk products and ice cream were among the best performers.

Sales for the first quarter reached CHF 20.4 billion (€13.1 billion).

Despite good performances in the above regions, Europe got off to a slow start to the year due to what the company called a “difficult retail environment”.

Brabeck said: “The good start to 2004 should allow us to attain our objectives for the year, both in terms of growth as well as profitability.”