Q2 lfl sales up 7.7 vs est. 5.6 growth
Danone now eyes 56 lfl sales growth in 2022
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PARIS, July 27 Reuters Danone raised its annual revenue growth forecast after its secondquarter likeforlike sales beat analysts39; estimates on strong demand for baby food and bottled water, even as the company raised prices to mitigate higher costs.

Danone, the world39;s largest yoghurt maker, said it now expects likeforlike sales to grow at 56 in 2022 compared with a previous forecast of 35.

By 0705 GMT its shares gained 3 to 56.74 euros.

A highlight of the strong quarterly performance was an 11.4 jump in sales in the nutrition business, which includes infant milk formula and medical nutrition.

In the key Chinese market alone, infant milk formula posted midtohigh singledigit growth.

In North America, Danone also stepped up exports of Neocate specialised formula and Aptamil baby formula to address shortages.

Top manufacturer Abbott Laboratories in February recalled dozens of types of its Similac, Alimentum and EleCare formulas, creating one of the most urgent food shortages in recent history for U.S. families.

Danone, whose brands include Evian and Badoit water, Activia yoghurt and Aptamil baby formula, reported quarterly likeforlike sales growth of 7.7 compared with analysts39; estimates of a 5.6 growth.

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