Grain prices boost for Origin Enterprises

SHARP increases in grain prices in the second half of the year boosted earnings per share by 3% to 37.26 cent at Origin Enterprises as demand for inputs from farmers rose. Group turnover fell 11.3% from €1.5bn to €1.3bn.

Earnings before interest tax and amortisation (EBITA) for the group were up 1.8% to €82.4m.

The group, which is in the process of selling off its brands including Shamrock Foods and Roma said the bad weather across Europe has increased demand but the outlook for grain prices could remain volatile.