Heinz Reveals Latest Growth Statistics and Strategies
Sales at the H. J. Heinz Company rose 14.9 percent in the first quarter of 2008 and earnings per share increased 14.3 percent to $0.72. According to the company, growth was fueled by double-digit sales growth in North America and Europe, 35.8 percent sales growth in emerging markets and almost 30 percent growth in Heinz's Infant/Nutrition category.
Earlier this month, Heinz announced that fiscal 2008 sales also increased 12 percent, driven by the successful introduction of numerous new products, many of them catering to the fast-growing healthy lifestyles segment. Again, sales in emerging markets such as China and India surged 25 percent.
At that time, Heinz Chairman, President, and CEO William R. Johnson commented on future growth plans through acquisition: "With a healthy balance sheet and abundant opportunities to explore in both the developed and developing world, we are confident in our ability to execute value-added acquisitions."
Heinz Chief Financial Officer Art Winkleblack expanded on Johnson's point during the company's fiscal first-quarter conference call when he revealed that company is indeed interested in making acquisitions.
"We're looking hard on the acquisition front," said Winkleblack. "We have an opportunity to bulk up our categories globally, and there's a bit more to look at now."
Already off to a good start, Heinz completed the acquisition of Benedicta, a French manufacturer of table top sauces, mayonnaises and salad dressings, on August 8, 2008.
Earlier this month, Heinz announced that fiscal 2008 sales also increased 12 percent, driven by the successful introduction of numerous new products, many of them catering to the fast-growing healthy lifestyles segment. Again, sales in emerging markets such as China and India surged 25 percent.
At that time, Heinz Chairman, President, and CEO William R. Johnson commented on future growth plans through acquisition: "With a healthy balance sheet and abundant opportunities to explore in both the developed and developing world, we are confident in our ability to execute value-added acquisitions."
Heinz Chief Financial Officer Art Winkleblack expanded on Johnson's point during the company's fiscal first-quarter conference call when he revealed that company is indeed interested in making acquisitions.
"We're looking hard on the acquisition front," said Winkleblack. "We have an opportunity to bulk up our categories globally, and there's a bit more to look at now."
Already off to a good start, Heinz completed the acquisition of Benedicta, a French manufacturer of table top sauces, mayonnaises and salad dressings, on August 8, 2008.