Bonduelle reported a 0,5% decline in comparable sales in the first quarter of its 2025-26 fiscal year, with revenues of €519,8 million. The French group specializing in ready-to-eat fresh vegetables and plant-based solutions was impacted by weak European consumer demand and unfavorable summer weather.
The European division, which represents 62,6% of the group's total business, saw a 2% decline in comparable sales. Bonduelle attributed this decline to lower demand in the retail and foodservice channels, as well as uneven temperatures that impacted the fresh processed category. However, the company is counting on new product innovations, launched across several lines, to boost growth in the coming quarters.
Non-European operations, representing 37,4% of the business, increased 1,9% on a like-for-like basis. Performance was driven by strong results in the Eurasia region and the resilience of the US market, particularly in ready-to-use solutions, despite the slowdown in consumption due to persistent inflation.
In September, the group closed the 2024-25 financial year with sales down 0,8% on a like-for-like basis, to €2,2 billion, and an operating profit of €83,8 million. At the time, CEO Xavier Unkovic emphasized the achievement of profitability targets and the continuation of the journey toward B Corp certification.
During the year, Bonduelle also completed the sale of its packaged salad business in Germany to Taylor Farms. The transaction, part of the company's Transform to Win plan, is part of its profitability optimization strategy and allows the brand to maintain a significant presence in the country, both in the canned and frozen food segments and in packaged salads, through a brand license granted to the buyer.
