German chocolate maker Halloren saw pre-tax profits more than quadruple in 2008 on the back of a 27% rise in sales.

Pre-tax profits reached EUR2.4m (US$3.2m) last year, against EUR580,000 a year earlier. Turnover was up 27% to EUR38.2m.

CEO Klaus Lelle said Halloren had continued to see its sakes grow in the early months of 2009.

“The first three months [saw] a very good sales and a solid earnings development,” Lelle said. “This is despite the generally difficult economic situation and the volatile commodity markets.”