The Swiss industrial chocolate producer, Barry Callebaut, has increased its annual profit by eight per cent to SFr97.1 million ($58.78 million).

The company, which processes 14 per cent of the global cocoa harvest, said sales revenues in the 12 months ending in August had increased by six per cent to SFr2.548 billion compared with the previous reporting period.

A statement on Tuesday said that the figures were an indication that the company had grown twice as fast as the overall market.

It added that it expected a further increase in operating profitability in the current business year but said forecasts were difficult because it was hard to gauge the impact of the current economic slowdown.

Barry Callebaut said its medium-term target was to increase sales by three to five per cent per year, while the market is seen rising by two per cent.

The company's clients range from branded consumer goods manufacturers producing chocolate, confectionery, biscuits, dairy products, ice cream and breakfast cereals to artisanal users including hotels, chocolate makers, pastry chefs and bakers.

The company operates 24 production facilities in 16 countries and employs about 5,000 people.

swissinfo with agencies

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