02/08/2006

Salmonella chocolate scare to cost £20 million

Chocolate manufacturer Cadbury has said that the salmonella scare at one of its production plants is expected to cost around £20 million this year.

The scare, in late June, led to more than a million products being recalled. Seven brands were affected by the scare, including the 250g Dairy Milk Turkish, Milk Caramel and Milk Mint bars and the Freddo bar.

The contamination was blamed on a leaking pipe at the firm's plant in Marlbrook, Herefordshire.

However, Cadbury Schweppes has reported a 20% rise in pre-tax profits. Profits reached £402 million in the six months to June 30.

However, Cadbury's market share fell by 1%. The firm attributed the fall to the recent warm weather, as well as the product recall.

Commenting on the figures, Todd Stitzer, Chief Executive Officer, said: "Our performance in the first half of the year has been good with three out of four regions performing well. Exciting new innovation is driving growth in both beverages and confectionery. We expect to deliver revenue growth towards the upper end of our goal range for the full year but are still monitoring the trading impact of the UK product recall."

(KMcA)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

23 April 2007
Cadbury to face charges over salmonella scare
Confectionary giant Cadbury Schweppes is to be prosecuted over a salmonella scare, which forced the company to recall a million chocolate bars. Birmingham City Council confirmed that Cadbury would be charged with three offences under health and safety legislation.
24 November 2003
Longer contracts could reduce energy bills, says government
Consumers could benefit from lower bills and help to combat climate change by being able to sign up to longer contracts with energy companies through a new pilot project announced today by government ministers.
01 August 2011
Early Measures Will Help SMEs Access Equity Financing
The Financial Secretary to the Treasury has announced that two deregulatory amendments to the EU Prospectus Directive have been brought into effect a year early by the UK to help small businesses access equity finance more cheaply and effectively.
25 September 2008
'Crazy' EU Laws Force Scottish Boats To Dump Fish
Fishermen in Scotland are being forced to throw away up to £40 million worth of fish every year, as a result of "crazy European regulations".
16 May 2008
BA Announce Soaring Profits
British Airways has announced a significant rise in profits despite the botched opening of Terminal 5. BA has reported that revenue is up 3.1% to £8,753 and two million passengers have passed through T5 since it's opening. Staff are also set to share a £35 million bonus. BA say that they expect revenue for the full year to be up by around 4%.