Lupfig-based bakery firm A. Hiestand Holding has reported a slight rise in its H1 net profit to CHF4.5m (US$3.06m) from CHF4.2m year on year.


The Swiss group also posted sales totalling CHF145m, up from CHF142m in the H1 2001.


While announcing its fiscal results late last week, Hiestand also revealed that it plans to establish a joint venture with Swiss retailer Coop to supply deep-frozen bakery products to the convenience store chain from 2003.