Market boost for Nestle

28 October 2010 – Nestlé says sales over the first nine months of the year increased 4.1% to 82.8 billion Swiss francs ($85.6 billion) as stronger demand was dampened by the drop in the dollar, which hurt its international competitiveness.

The company figures show that both KitKat and Aero are selling well, up by 2.8 per cent and ten per cent respectively, as both brands celebrate their 75th anniversary.

Paul Grimwood, chairman and chief executive of Nestlé UK & Ireland says, "Nestlé has continued to deliver a solid performance in the UK and Ireland so far this year. The economic climate is still challenging and the market is highly competitive. We expect these conditions to continue into 2011, with ongoing pressure on household budgets. Our flagship brand Kit Kat has increased market share in recent months both in the UK and Ireland, which is encouraging.”

The Rowntree’s brand is up 4.9% with Rowntree’s Randoms still performing very well, following its highly successful launch last year. Milkybar is up 6.1%, after the launch of new Milkybar Raisin and Biscuit in August. The company has just launched the new KitKat Senses caramel version.