Nestlé’s pet care business grew 13.6% in the first 3 months of 2022

The sales of Purina pet products increased by 15% against the first trimester of 2021, when the company posted CHF 3.62 billion ($3.51B / €3.81B) in sales.

The pet production portfolio was the largest contributor to the company’s organic growth, according to the company. The Russian region was excluded from this measurement given “significantly disrupted” trading conditions and Nestlé’s decision “to focus on providing essential food.”

Nestlé announced in March that they would “drastically reduce” their product portfolio in Russia. Asked whether the Swiss company also stopped the sales of pet food products in the country, a spokesperson for Nestlé told GlobalPETS: “The production of most of our brands will be suspended. We are in the process of adapting and implementing the necessary changes in the country while respecting legal obligations.”

Nestlé also confirmed its full-year 2022 outlook, expecting organic sales growth of around 5% and an operating profit margin of between 17.0% and 17.5%.

But CEO Mark Schneider warned: “Cost inflation continues to increase sharply, which will require further pricing and mitigating actions over the course of the year.”