Italian biscuit and pasta producer Barilla has recorded a turnover of €3.44bn (US$3.97bn) for 2002, compared to €2.38bn in the previous year.


Barilla reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of €386m, compared to €317m a year earlier.


The company’s net debt increased to €1.59bn, compared to €467m in 2001. The debt includes €553m expenditure for acquisitions and a debt of €789m related to its German bakery products subsidiary Kamps.


Barilla’s 2002 pre-tax profit was €55m, compared to €72m in 2001.


The company’s international operations accounted for 44.8% of 2002 turnover, compared to 32% in 2001, reported the Italian News Digest.