Kerry sees profits rise despite slump in sales

Kerry Group has released its preliminary results for the year ended December 31, 2003, showing a rise in full year earnings of 40%, led by demand for the company's ingredients for health and nutritional products.

Pre-tax profits rose from €159.2m to €224m in the year to December 2003. It raised its full year dividend by 10% to 12.65c per share.