Kerry Group has issued its Q1 Interim Management Statement. The company reported a 3.7% growth in business volumes, with Taste & Nutrition growing 4.3%; and Consumer Foods +1.6%. Pricing contributed +0.9%. Group trading margin was maintained, with underlying margin expansion offset by transaction currency impact. Earnings guidance for the full year was reaffirmed.

“We are pleased with the start we have made to 2018, which is in line with our expectations as communicated in February,” said Edmond Scanlon, Chief Executive Officer. “The Group continued to deliver healthy volume growth and underlying margin expansion. The acquisitions completed over the past year are performing well and integration is progressing to plan. Our industry leading business model and ‘from-food for-food’ heritage are ever more relevant in today’s marketplace and continue to underpin a strong innovation pipeline. In summary, we are encouraged by the start to the year and reaffirm our full year 2018 guidance of adjusted earnings per share growth of 6% to 10% in constant currency.”