Lotus Bakeries has booked a jump in first-half sales, boosted by an increased marketing investment and the integration of the recently-acquired Biscuiterie Willems business.

The Belgium baked goods company said that sales rose 14.7% in the period, climbing to EUR159.8m (US$214m). Organic growth totalled 7%, as investments in marketing and increased point of sale activities allowed the company to strengthen its market share in “all segments”.

Lotus said that its operating profit rose to EUR1.7m, up 2.1%. As well as an increased marketing investment, Lotus raised spending on improving efficiency at its production plants and incurred one-off restructuring costs. Net profit rose 5.2% to EUR1.3m.

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