International food group Kerry's consumer foods business volumes fell by 1.2% in the nine months to the end of September.
In an interim management statement today, the group said business rose in its ingredients and flavours division by 3.6%.
Its primary consumer foods markets in Ireland and the UK are showing early signs of recovery the statement said, but remain highly competitive because of significant structural changes in the retail landscape.
Dairygold, Cheesestrings, Low Low and Denny are among the brands Kerry owns.
It reported good growth in ingredients and flavours in the Americas.
It said market conditions remain challenging in many developed and developing markets but that the group maintained a good business performance.
Sales growth was hit, it said, as major customer accounts were affected by weaker consumer sentiment and a competitive retail environment.
Kerry said that at the end of September its net debt was €1.3 billion. The group gave earnings guidance in a range of 7% to 9% growth for full year
