Italy-based multinational company Perfetti Van Melle saw revenue grow by 2.5% in 2016 to €2.7 billion, despite a subdued Chinese consumer market.
Speaking to daily Il Sole 24 Ore, president Ubaldo Traldi said that sales volumes were in line with previous years, but were heavily influenced by currency fluctuations. The company did well in Europe, Turkey and the US, while sales declined in both China and Italy.
The slowdown has led the company to rationalise the product portfolio and define a new strategy across the chain, including distribution. Adapting to changes in consumer preferences, Perfetti Van Melle offers sugar-free candies and chewing gum and functional products, made with fluorine or natural sweeteners that have low calories and do not cause tooth decay.
New product launches in Italy include the Daygum white chewing gum with 100% xylitol, and the Vigorsol easy chewing gum with Stevia extract. Both brands will also be exported to other markets.
Perfetti will also seize acquisition opportunities of international brands if the opportunity arises.
The Perfetti Van Melle group focuses on candy and chewing gum (which makes up 64% of total sales), with well known brands such as Alpenliebe, Mentos, Chupa Chups, Golia, as well as the Vigorsol, Daygum, and Happydent chewing gum brands.
The company's main market is China (with a €600 million turnover), followed by Italy with €550 million, Europe with €420 million and the Americas with €370 million.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up for ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
