2007 was a good year for Lantmännen Unibake. It was the year when we made our international breakthrough, not least furthered by the wave from a successful integration of the Belgian company, a positive beginning for the newly established bakery in Russia and a positive development in
the fresh bread business in Sweden. With nearly a fourfold increase in the results compared to 2006, we are now prepared to realize our strategy of conquering the position as absolute market leader on the European frozen bread stage. The latest acquisition in 2008 of a bakery in Finland ensures a leading position in the fast food segment throughout Scandinavia.
During the year, we succeeded in obtaining a significant organic growth in the frozen bread segment, first and foremost in Denmark, Norway, Benelux, Poland, Russia, USA and the Baltic States – and the turn around-project in the fresh bread business in Sweden shows greater progress than expected. In a few markets we experience temporary challenges, due, among other things, to major integration and restructuring projects in Germany and the fresh bread business in Denmark. However, to me overall satisfactory results emphasize that Lantmännen Unibake has reached a size where we are able to attain growth and, at the same time, handle local challenges.
Growth is our direction
Year by year, Lantmännen Unibake changes. And yet, we are always the same. When I look around in the bakeries, I see an enthusiasm and faith in the future that makes me proud to be Unibaker. We are a craftsman bakery based on experience, creativity and action and it is our aim to become
the largest of its kind globally.
Acquisitions will be an important key to international growth in new markets in the future. Hand in hand with that we continuously work to streamline and keep our organization in the driver’s seat. Organic growth in all companies is a major goal for us in the coming years and we have already taken a good step in 2007.
Our bakery business therefore face a future more full of challenges and opportunities than ever before!
