Blackmores more than doubles its profit

Vitamins and supplements supplier Blackmores says demand from Asia and Australia is driving its monumental sales growth.

Blackmores more than doubled its profit in the first nine months of the financial year as sales in Australia and Asia continue to soar.

The vitamins and supplements maker made a net profit of $76 million in the nine months to the end of March, up from $31 million a year earlier, as sales rose 63 per cent.

Every region and business was benefiting from growing consumer demand for health and nutrition products, Blackmores said.

But it is demand from Asia, and particularly China, that is fuelling the company's astronomical growth.

"The strength of demand for our brand in Asia is reflected in the growth from Asian shoppers whom we estimate account for 50 per cent of group revenue," chief executive Christine Holgate said.

Sales in Asia rose 64 per cent to $98 million over the nine months, already exceeding sales for the entire prior year, while sales in Australia were up 71 per cent to $369 million.

"We remain confident that we will deliver a strong full year profit result and improved returns for shareholders and staff," Ms Holgate said.

Blackmores shares soared past $220 each in 2015 as its sales skyrocketed, though their value has fallen in recent weeks after changes to China's tax policy on cross-border e-commerce trading.

Ms Holgate said the changes reflect China's commitment to free trade zones, and said an announcement of more ingredients approved for sale in China presents further opportunities for Blackmores.

"We believe Blackmores is well placed to manage the constant evolution of the Chinese regulatory landscape," she said.

Blackmores shares closed up $4.55, or 3.08 per cent, at $152.29.


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Source: AAP



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