A good summer period and a slight increase in European food consumption levels led to an increase in turnover for the STEF group in the 3rd quarter of 2013.
In early November 2012, the group acquired a specialist food service company which generated €20.7 million over the quarter (including €17.6 million in sales carried out for third parties). Sales on behalf of third parties (food service customers) took place in France, Spain and Belgium. With economic difficulties persisting in Southern Europe, the group decided to develop its bulk transport activities through an efficient marketing strategy focused on small and medium-sized enterprises in a bid to boost European activities.
Turnover has risen 9.7% in the Benelux region thanks to new contracts with major European companies. The cumulated turnover as of 30 September 2013 stood at €1,915.3 million. This equates to a 4.4% rise (0.9% on a like-for-like basis) on the 30 September 2012 figure of €1,834.3 million.