Swiss meat processing company Bell Group said it saw "stable" sales development in 2012, despite a "difficult" market environment.
In the 12 month period, sales edged up 0.4% to CHF2.52bn (US$3.29bn), the company reported today (7 January). Adjusted for exchange rate differences and structural changes, sales were up 0.6%.
Sales volumes, however, declined by 1.1% to 222m kg. Volumes were up in all regions except Germany and the Benelux countries, where volumes dropped 2.5% and 13.4%, respectively.
In Germany, the company embarked on restructuring of its product ranges, which contributed to the decline, while in the Benelux countries, the division mainly suffered from the loss of one product group, also due to restructuring, it said.