Groupe Bel, the French cheese maker behind The Laughing Cow and Babybel, has reported a 3.5% rise in first-quarter sales, helped by growth in western Europe and the Middle East.

The company posted sales of EUR664m (US$907.8m) for the three months to the end of March, up from EUR642m in the first quarter of 2013.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Sales in western Europe, Bel’s largest region, increased 4.9% to EUR261m. The company’s Near and Middle East division saw sales jump 16.6% to EUR102m.

Bel’s performance in that region made the division its third-largest by sales, overtaking the combined Americas/Asia Pacific unit, which saw sales fall 4.4% due to foreign exchange.

Bel did not provide figures on first-quarter earnings. However, it admitted: “With these economic and political factors weighing on its short-term profitability, the group is pursuing its efforts to strengthen its operating excellence.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now