Sigma Alimentos, the Mexico-based food maker, saw the strength of the US dollar hit its revenue in the first quarter of the year, although sales were up on a constant-currency basis.

Sales dropped 6% to US$1.35bn, parent company Alfa reported yesterday (18 April).

The company, which manufactures products from ham and sausages to cheese and yoghurt, attributed the decline primarily to the strength of the US dollar against the Mexican peso. Alfa said sales would have been up by 5% if the effects of currency fluctuations are stripped out.

Sales in Mexico represented around 42% of first-quarter revenues, with Europe accounting for 36%, the US some 15% and the rest of Latin America 7%.

Operating income increased by 2% to $118m in the first quarter, with EBITDA flat at $163m. Excluding currency exchange impacts, EBITDA would have increased by 13% in the first quarter from a year ago, Alfa said, adding Europe and Latin America were the primary contributors to the growth in operating income.

While prices of raw materials, notably of pork, turkey and milk, were lower in the first quarter of 2016 compared with the first three months of 2015, Alfa said Sigma purchases most of these raw materials from the US in US dollars, so the strengthening of the dollar against the peso offset any potential benefit.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.