Dutch food and nutrition firm Royal Numico has reported net profit for the first quarter of €16m (US$18.0), compared with €21m a year earlier.

Sales were €863m for the quarter, compared to €1.05bn in the year-ago period. The company attributed the decline to a decrease in net sales in its Nutritional Supplements operations, reflecting the disappointing performance of Rexall Sundown and Unicity. For its continued Baby Food, Clinical Nutrition and GNC divisions, Numico said sales levels were maintained compared to the year-ago period.

EBITA, excluding exceptional items was €90m, compared with €130m in the year-ago period. Including exceptional items EBITA was €74m, compared with €130m a year earlier.