Consolidated sales were up by +0.9% on a reported basis to €6,138m. Like-for-like sales growth was 0.8% with the company saying that growth is set to accelerate from Q2. 2019 guidance sees like-for-like sales growth of around 3% and recurring operating margin > 15%.

Emmanuel Faber: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The first quarter showed a start of the year in line with expectations and further progress in our transformation journey. This performance has coincided with continued action to deliver sustainable profitable value growth, including the sale of Earthbound Farm, alongside the roll-out of value-added innovations across businesses and geographies to make our portfolio more local, more appealing to younger generations, and better suited to fast-changing consumer trends. 

We are pleased with the momentum of the business, which will become increasingly visible from the second quarter. This gives us every confidence that we will meet our full-year guidance. We also remain totally committed to creating a company aligned with the food revolution, harnessing the collective voice of our 100,000 Danoners and realizing the vision of One Planet. One Health”.