Medellin-based multinational foods giant Grupo Nutresa on October 29 reported a 17% year-on-year hike in third quarter (3Q) 2021 net profits, hitting COP$173 billion (US$46 million).

Operating income rose to COP$3.36 trillion (US$893 million), up from COP$2.85 trillion (US$757 million) in 3Q 2020.

Meanwhile, 3Q 2021 operating profit rose 8.4% year-on-year, to COP$867 billion (US$230 million), according to the company.

As for nine-months 2021 results (January through September), sales so far this year are up 11.7%, to COP$9.1 trillion (US$2.4 billion), while sales in Colombia are up 14.5% year-on-year, hitting COP$5.5 trillion (US$1.46 billion), according to the company.

Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) so far this year are up 5.4%, to COP$1.2 trillion (US$319 million), with a 12.9% margin on sales.

Net profit so far this year is up 14%, to COP$535 billion (US$142 million), according to the company.

International sales, up 7.7% year-on-year, hit COP$3.6 trillion (US$964 million), accounting for 39% of total sales.

Grupo Nutresa boasts of a direct corporate presence in 14 countries with 47 production plants, 45,861 employees and product sales in 78 countries on five continents.