Wrigley exceeds expectations in Asia, Europe and North America

Wrigley first quarter sales jumped to $1.26 billion, with Asia contributing nearly $41 million or 23 percent. As the reported top manufacturer in China, the confectionery giant has enjoyed strong sales of its Extra and Doublemint gums, and Sugus candies.

Overall, first quarter sales increased by $181 million, or 17 percent, over the same quarter last year. Approximately two-thirds of the sales gain was driven by shipment growth across all regions, particularly Asia and EMEAI. The positive impact of currency, due to translation of international sales into a relatively weaker US dollar, accounted for the balance of the growth.

In EMEAI (principally Europe), sales were $565 million, up 27 percent versus a year ago on volume growth of 14 percent. In Western Europe, double-digit sales gains were recorded in the UK, with the launches of Orbit Complete and liquid-filled Extra Ice gum, and Germany, with the introduction of bottle packaging. Outside the EU, Russia and Ukraine lead the growth highlighted by significant sales gains for Orbit in both gum and sugarfree drops.

North America net sales were $414 million, up three percent on volume gains of four percent. Orbit, Orbit White, and Eclipse recorded double-digit gains, and Wrigley's sugar stick brands were up modestly versus year ago, while Extra gum had lower sales in the quarter, with difficult comparisons versus a new product launch in the year-ago period. Strong performance by the newly-launched Dark Chocolate Dipped Altoids mints was offset by softer sales for Altoids Sours. The LifeSavers brand recorded double-digit sales growth in the quarter as a result of increased shipments—primarily due to the strength of mint and gummy products.

"Our results this quarter reflect solid execution in the marketplace, including the launch of several new products and strong support of our brands around the world," explains President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Perez. "We anticipate maintaining our positive momentum through focused investment in our key geographies and upcoming product launches, such as the gum brand '5' in the US marketplace."