Dublin-based Hibernia Foods, a manufacturer of branded cakes, branded and private-label ready-meals and branded and private-label frozen desserts, has posted record revenues of €201.3m (US$175.5m) for its FY 2002 ended 31 March, up 53% year on year.


Gross profits were up 92% to €34.9m and gross margins had increased by 68%.


The distribution of sales by segment:


                                2002(1)       2002         2001
                               US$000s       EUR000s     EUR000s

 Frozen Desserts               110,162       126,375      75,878
 Frozen Ready Meals             28,309        32,475      35,089
 Entenmann’s Brand Cakes        20,198        23,172      20,517
 Private Label Chilled
  Desserts                      16,708        19,168           –
 Miscellaneous                      97           111         260


                               175,474       201,301     131,744

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData


The operating loss for the year was €7.8m or 3.9% of sales. The operating loss for the previous fiscal at €12.3m was €4.5m higher and represented 9.3% of sales. Interest and other charges at €5.8m were broadly consistent with the previous fiscal year’s comparable charge of €5.6m, despite the increase in activities.


Included in the FY 2002 results is a once off, non-cash charge of €999,000 in relation to the exercise of Class E and F warrants, and represents the difference between the adjusted exercise price and the market value on the date of exercise.


The net loss per share was €0.68 compared to a net loss per share before extraordinary item of €0.98, in the previous fiscal year.


Oliver Murphy, chairman and CEO, commented: “2002 was a milestone year for Hibernia. We made an important strategic acquisition at the start when we acquired the La Boheme chilled desserts business and later that Q1 we acquired our major competitor in the frozen desserts market – Sara Lee Bakeries UK. We now have annualised revenues approaching €250m and our policy, having built this scale, is to pursue a balanced strategy of both revenue growth and profitability.


“Our priorities in the current fiscal, are: to realise the purchasing and manufacturing synergies we have identified; to leverage our scale in the frozen desserts market to further improve margins, particularly in the H2; to extend the Entenmann’s range, by the launch of small cakes in Q2; to establish a separate team to drive our European expansion plans; to expand our penetration into the chilled desserts market; and to continue our strategy of focusing on profitable niches within the ready-meals sector.


“Overall, I am committed to our strategy of a balanced mix between profitability and revenue growth, and I am confident that the momentum reflected in the FY 2002 figures will continue into the current fiscal year.”

Just Food Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Food Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now