Israeli food and drinks firm Strauss Group has recorded an increase in first-half profits.

For the period to the end of June, profits rose 21.7% to reach NIS136m (US$36m), while operating income increased 21% to NIS322m.

Net sales reached NIS3.27bn, a 7.9% climb on a year earlier. The growth, Strauss said, is evident in all of the group’s activities.

In the second quarter, net profit rose 40.7% to NIS52m, while operating income reached NIS145m, a 10% increase on the comparable 2009 period.

Net sales in the quarter rose 4.3% to reach NIS1.58bn.