Natural and organic food company Hain Celestial saw fiscal fourth quarter earnings increase, driven by lower costs and stronger sales in North America and Continental Europe.

The company posted US$6.7m net income for the quarter ended 30 June, up on the $1.2m it posted for the same period of the previous year.

Sales fell to $222.8m during the quarter against $223.3m in the prior year.

For the full year, net income reached $28.6m against a $29.4m loss in the previous year. Net sales were down to $917.3m from $1.12bn in the previous year.

The company is forecasting $1.02-$1.05bn sales for 2010.

Shares in the company were up 2.3% at close of trading on 25 August.