Swiss-based chocolate manufacturer the Barry Callebaut Group has recorded year-on-year volume growth of 1.4% for the first six months of the fiscal year.

Sales revenues were up 3.3% to a total of 3.5 billion CHF for the period, against a challenging market.

Its latest figures, which covered the half year up to February 28th 2017, contrasted with a -2.1% decline seen in the global chocolate confectionery market during the same period.

According to the company, its growth, which was boosted by a second quarter upturn of 3.5% (following -0.4% for the first quarter), was achieved through outsourcing.

This included the successful integration of the Halle factory acquired from Mondelez International, but also Gourmet and specialties and emerging markets contributed.

Sales volume in chocolate was up 3.5%, while the intentional phase-out of less profitable contracts in cocoa, now completed, led to a decline of -5.0%.

Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of the Barry Callebaut Group, commented: “We keep delivering on our ‘smart growth’ agenda. Sales volume growth picked up in the second quarter of the current fiscal year, despite sluggish global demand for chocolate confectionery.

“We significantly improved our profitability as a result of our ongoing focus on product and customer mix and the successful implementation of our Cocoa Leadership program. At the same time, we continue to focus on free cash flow and returns.”