Annual Report 2009: Healthy figures and growth for the Kavli Group 

The Kavli Group's turnover exceeded NOK1.95 billion in 2009 - an increase of more than NOK 250m on the previous year. The group's operating profit was NOK100m, up from NOK77m in 2008.

"These are good figures, but there is still ample room for improvement in some business areas before we reach a satisfactory level of results," says Kavli's Group Executive Erik Volden.

Despite a sober approach the company has enjoyed both international growth and  long desired improved results from the company's Norwegian dairy investments. The company in the UK shows considerable progress, partly as a result of an increased focus on marketing and a resulting market share increase.
The company is also a large food and drinks producer in Sweden and Denmark.

"We have not shied away from investing in product development, marketing and acquisitions. We've seen the results from this already in 2009, but imagine our offensive approach both in Norway and internationally will improve our returns even further in the coming years," says Erik Volden.

Among Kavli's most successful launches in 2009 were mayonnaise and the dairy product Skyr - the latter a product from Q-Meieriene. The group also acquired the classic Norwegian sandwich spread Hapå from Nestlé, which helped broaden the sandwich spread range on the Norwegian market. Kavli has also launched major new products in both Sweden and the UK.

Kavli's main product in all markets is cheese spread, but the group also owns other strong brands of sandwich spreads, dressings, drinks, flatbreads and biscuits. Since 1998 the group has also made considerable investments in the dairy business Q-Meieriene, which for the past two years has finally made a profit. It has been a costly  venture for the food and drinks group, but Mr Volden is optimistic.

"As long as we manage to maintain our level of innovation and the authorities maintain the framework safeguarding competition, I believe Q-Meieriene will represent an important driving force in Norway's dairy industry. We have contributed to changing the rules of the game, and the market has responded positively," says Mr Volden.

The Kavli Group is the only major company in Norway which is owned by a charitable trust. The group is fully owned by the Kavli Trust. Kavli profits help fund research, culture and humanitarian work.