Kraft Foods said today (29 October) that third-quarter profits more than doubled on the back of the recent sale of its Post cereals business.


The US food giant booked net earnings of US$1.4bn for the three months to the end of September, compared to $596m a year earlier.


Kraft’s $1.7bn sale of the Post business to Ralcorp Holdings earlier this year boosted the figures. Excluding items, net earnings were down 5.9% to $658m.


However, the company decided to up its annual sales forecasts after seeing third-quarter revenue jump 19.4% to $10.46bn, thanks in part to the LU acquisition in Europe.


On an organic basis, revenue was up 7.1% as Kraft’s decision to raise prices on a number of products to offset higher input costs paid off. The result led Kraft to up its guidance for organic revenue growth from at least 6% to 7%.

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.

“Kraft had a strong quarter in a difficult environment,” said chairman and CEO Irene Rosenfeld. “Our operating momentum continued with solid top- and bottom-line contributions from all geographies. I am especially pleased that our volumes in the third quarter held up better than expected, despite significant cost-driven price increases and an unsettled economic environment.”


Kraft also reaffirmed its 2009 organic net revenue target of growth of at least 4%.