French cheese maker Groupe Bel has said growth remained "firm" in the first nine months of the year due to "steady expansion" in emerging markets.
Sales for the first nine months of 2012 increased by 5.6% to EUR1.96bn (US$2.5bn). During the third quarter, sales were up 4.8%, the company added.
The company said gains were driven by double-digit growth in its Greater Africa and Americas, Asia-Pacific regions. Bel added Eastern Europe also performed "well", despite a deprssed economic backdrop. This helped to offset weaker trends in the Middle East and Western Europe.
Looking to the full year, the maker of Laughing Cow emphasised the overall trading environment remains "uncertain". However, the group said it expects to grow its market positions thanks to its "balanced geographical reach" and "extraordinary brands".
