OREANDA-NEWS. In the first quarter of 2013, ASTARTA demonstrated 29% growth of revenues to EUR 83 million. EBITDA increased 27% to EUR 23 million and Net profit by 33% to EUR 11 million. Exports contributed 35% to consolidated revenues.

Sales in agrisegment increased by 66%. 61% of crops sold were exported. Solid performance of agrisegment augmented its share in consolidated revenues to record high of 42%.

Despite unfavorable situation on Ukrainian sugar market, revenues from sales of sugar and sugar by-products increased 5%.

Dairy segment demonstrated robust growth: volumes of milk sales increased 12%, and revenues grew by 22%. The Group continues to focus on dairy segment's efficiency and achieved an average y-o-y increase of 8% in milk yields per one cow.

In crop rotation structure for 2013, the Group increased shares of soybeans, corn and wheat. This would provide for high level of vertical integration in soybean processing, growing export revenues, increased diversification, and better hedging of currency risks.

Comment of ASTARTA’s CEO, Viktor Ivanchyk:

"In the first quarter of 2013, Ukrainian sugar market was under influence of bearish factors. Now we see healthy recovery of prices which is supported by anticipated shift in supply and demand of sugar.

We continue with implementation of ASTARTA' growth strategy. The key elements of the strategy include development of agri- and dairy production, soybean processing, and importantly - advance in efficient sugar production”.