Fruit distributor Fyffes says it is aiming to record an increase in earnings of more than 20% this year, ahead of its previous expectations.
As a result of what it called 'this exceptional performance', the company is planning to pay a special €20m interim dividend - worth around five cent per share - to shareholders in March.
Fyffes says market conditions have remained strong in the second half of this year, helping to offset significant cost inflation.
But it warns of challenges next year, with changes in the EU banana regime costing it €40m and higher shipping and fuel costs adding €15m to costs. It says these will need to be recovered from customers and suppliers.
Fyffes shares closed 15 cent lower at €2.11 in Dublin this evening.
