(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 22 gen - Associated British Foods said that in the 16 weeks ended January 3, group sales came in at 6.759 billion pounds, flat from the prior year on a reported basis and down 0.9% at constant currencies.

In its January 8 update, ABF had said it expected a 1% increase in sales at actual currencies and a 1% decline at constant currencies.

Retail revenue rose a reported 4.2% and a constant currency 1.5% to 3.502 billion pounds, instead of the previously expected 4% ad 1% increase. Grocery revenue came in at 1.385 billion pounds, in line with the previous year and up 0.7% at constant currencies. Earlier this month it had guided to flat reported revenue and a 1% constant currency increase.

Ingredients were down a reported 2.9% and a constant currency 2.1% at 667 million pounds, instead of the previousy guided 3% ad 2% contraction. Sugar was down a reported 4.3% and a constant currency 6.9% at 675 million pounds instead of a 2% and 5% contraction. Agriculture was down 4.1% on both basis at 521 million pounds instead of the previously expected 4% decline.

Primark sales were confirmed up 1% but down 2.7% like for like.

ABF will report first half result for the 24 weeks to.

February 28 6 on April 21.

(RADIOCOR) 22-01-26 08:34:11 (0158) 5 NNNN