The quarter was challenging both in terms of sales and operating profit and going forward we need to focus even more on our organic sales and profit development. Cloetta’s business structure now also changes significantly due to the acquisition of Candyking and the agreement to divest Cloetta Italy. As a result, Cloetta Italy is no longer part of the comparative figures and is accounted for as assets held for sale and discontinued operation.

Cloetta’s operating profit amounted to SEK 93m (108) in the quarter. Operating profit, adjusted for items affecting comparability, decreased to SEK 110m (126), equal to an operating profit margin, adjusted for items affecting comparability, of 8.2 per cent (9.3). Profit for the period increased to SEK 59m (44).