Campbell’s profits soar with beverages, snacks, Asian chocolate sales

Campbell’s president and chief executive officer has described 2007 as an “outstanding year” so far. The company reported third-quarter earnings of $217 million, up from $146 million in the previous year. Strong sales were reported across the portfolio.

In Asia, Godiva Chocolatier sales hit double-digit gains. North American sales rose slightly, with internet sales increasing double digits and same-store sales up slightly. A winter storm in the Northeast US adversely impacted sales on Valentine's Day, which is typically Godiva's single biggest sales day of the year.

Beverage sales increased significantly, driven by gains of V8 vegetable juice and V8 V-Fusion juice, as well as gains in V8 Splash juice drinks. Sales for Baking and Snacking were $441 million in the quarter, up five percent compared with a year ago.