Finish company, Olvi Group, has posted a first quarter operating loss of EUR 0.14 million, versus a profit of EUR 0.04 million for the same period 2002. However, the company has registered a rise in net sales of 2.0% to EUR 21.74 million against EUR 21.32 million in the first quarter last year. Olvi expects sales to increase further in the second quarter, thanks to Easter holidays of April. In a statement Olvi said that owing to the seasonal character of the beverage industry, the majority of its result is made during the summer season. The Group's investments to increase capacity and efficiency will be completed as planned before the summer season, the company said.

12 May, 2003