Date:30/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/05/30/stories/2008053051310200.htm

Back Brand focus lifts Britannia Q4 net

Our Bureau

Bangalore, May 29 Accelerated investment on brands and a slew of launches has helped Britannia Industries post a 53.6 per cent increase in net profit for the fourth quarter ended March 30, 2008 at Rs 61 crore. Net sales rose 15.6 per cent to Rs 692.8 crore.

Sales rose 17.5 per cent to Rs 2,584.8 crore for the year ended March 31, 2008, while net profit grew by 77.6 per cent at Rs 191 crore.

The board of directors has recommended a dividend of Rs 18 per share of Rs 10 each. Total payout including dividend distribution tax amounts to Rs 50.3 crore for the year.

Ms Vinita Bali, Managing Director, said, “The company improved its market share during the quarter in an extremely competitive environment and sustained the top line momentum at 18 per cent for the year on top of 28 per cent delivered last year. Additionally, we accelerated investment behind brands and significantly improved margin.”

In the last quarter, Britannia launched ‘Tiger Banana’, fortified with iron; ‘GoodDay Classic’, a range of premium cookies in three variants; bread – fortified with vitamins & minerals and the addition of real fruit and fruit pulp in cake. The company also introduced a range of select brands in Sri Lanka.