Sweden-based confectioner Candyking has said it will work on improving the profitability of its domestic business after a year in which sales tumbled, hitting group turnover and underlying profits.

Candyking’s sales in Sweden tumbled 16.9% in the last three months of 2014 – with volumes down 15.9% – rounded off a year in which domestic revenue dropped 10.4%.

Fourth-quarter sales were hit by a decline at retailer Coop as Candyking came to the end of a contract to supply the grocer, a deal it has lost to local bigger rival Cloetta.

Candyking said its “weak” performance in Sweden – and the weakening of the Swedish kroner – hit its underlying group EBIT in 2014, which tumbled 30.4% to SEK69.3m (US$8.3m).

Group sales inched up 0.4% to SEK1.77bn, with rising revenue from its businesses in the UK and Poland.

Candyking made a net loss of SEK67m in 2014. Like 2013, financial expenses weighed on Candyking’s bottom line, but losses were down on that year’s SEK89.3m.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“It is encouraging that our international markets make its strongest year ever. The market situation in Sweden has been very tough in 2014 with a weakened Swedish krona that greatly affects our margins. Our focus now is to raise prices to restore profitability in Sweden, as well as invest in continued category development,” president and CEO Fredrik von Oelreich said.