US: Asia sales growth boosts Martek profits

US ingredients group Martek Biosciences saw profits increase in its second quarter driven by revenue growth in Asia.

Net income rose to US$12.5m for the three months to the end of March, from $11m in the prior year.

Revenues for the second quarter increased 34% to reach $124m.

Both revenues and earnings included the results of Amerifit Brands , which the firm acquired in February.

CEO Steve Dubin said: “The improving economy, new launches of products with Martek’s life’sDHA, growing international markets for Martek’s products and sales of Amerifit’s branded consumer health products all contributed to Martek’s record quarterly results.”

Dubin added: “Demand increases outside the US, particularly in Asia, were a key driver of this growth. We believe that a portion of the nutritional ingredient revenue increase.”