Kerry Group plc (KRZ) Earnings Call Transcript & Summary

Good morning, and welcome to Kerry's Interim 2022 results call. I'm joined on the call by our CEO, Edmond Scanlon; and our CFO, Marguerite Larkin. Edmond and Marguerite will take you through today's presentation. And following this, we will open the lines for your questions. Before we begin, please note the usual disclaimer regarding forward-looking statements. I will now hand over to Edmond.

Thanks, William. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining our call. So beginning first with Slide 4 and my overview comments. Overall, we were very pleased with the strong business growth we delivered across the first half in what remains a highly dynamic marketplace. We continue to see strong customer demand for innovation despite the macro challenges around inflation, supply chain constraints and geopolitical events. Group reported revenue increased by 13% to EUR 4.1 billion in the first half, driven by organic growth of over 15%. As you can see here from the breakdown of the slide, this organic growth has been a combination of volume and price, both of which have evolved significantly over the past number of quarters. Firstly, on volumes, which were up 6.8% at group level in H1. And since Q2 last year, where we achieved very strong growth post COVID-19, we've been delivering consistent, strong volume growth. There are a number of contributing factors, but the key perspective for me has been the improved performance across both our retail and foodservice channels in our case, Nutrition business, which I'll touch on in a little bit more detail later on. Secondly, on pricing, which as you can see here, significantly evolved through the period across both our businesses and came in at 8.3% at group level for H1. We continue to actively manage the inflationary environments in close collaboration with our customers and support them in developing their offerings to meet the needs of the rapidly evolving marketplace. And then group EBITDA increased by 13% to EUR 518 million in the first half as we maintained our overall group EBITDA margin, a good performance given the current inflationary environment. And before we move on to the next slide, just to update you on a few other overview points. On the strategic front, we continued to expand our footprint with the expansion and development of new capacity in the Middle East and a new taste facility in Durban, South Africa. Both of these investments will be important enablers of growth in the APMEA region in the coming years. And finally, on our Russia and Belarus businesses. We've completed the divestment of our Russian subsidiary to our local management. An agreement has also been reached for the sale of our Belarus subsidiary to a third party with the key objective in both instances of maintaining continuity for our employees. Now moving on to Slide 5 and Taste & Nutrition, where we saw continued strong growth through the period across our end-use markets, regions and channels. Reported revenue per case Nutrition increased significantly in the period by 27.5% to EUR 3.4 billion. driven by strong volume growth of 8.6% and pricing of 5.9%, combined with favorable FX and acquisition impacts. EBITDA for the division was up 25% to EUR 515 million with overall margin of 15% as the impact of passing through raw material price inflation was partially offset by mix, leverage, efficiency and portfolio benefits. Overall, volume performance for case Nutrition H1 was strong. As you can see here on the right-hand side of the slide with double-digit growth in Q2. Performance was strong across our end-use markets, led by beverage, meat and bakery. From a channel perspective, we achieved excellent growth in retail and strong double-digit growth in foodservice. Volumes in emerging markets were up 10.7%, led by growth in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and LatAm. And our key growth platforms delivered strong overall performance, led by increased demand for our range of foodware solutions with good growth in authentic taste and plant-based with Health & Biopharma performing in line with our expectations given the strong prior year. Moving then to Slide 6 and our regional performance with NTS Nutrition. Reported revenue in the Americas region for H1 increased to over EUR 1.9 billion with volumes up 9.1% in the first half and up 11.4% in Q2. This growth was led by the beverage EUM with innovations using Kerry's authentic natural taste, corrective nutrition and taste-tense sugar reduction technologies, while growth in meat and bakery AUMs was driven by food protection, preservation in particular. Performance was strong across both of our channels. And in LatAm, we had strong growth across both Brazil and Mexico. In Europe, reported revenue increased to EUR 729 million, with volumes up 7.1% in the first half and up 5.9% in Q2. Growth in this region was again strong in the beverage EUM, particularly in refreshing beverages, tea and coffee and the lower no-alcohol categories. Dairy and dairy alternatives performed well, while snacks also delivered good growth with many customers renovating their products in advance of changing regulatory requirements within the region. Overall, the performance of the foodservice channel was a key driver of growth for the region, led by good menu development, an increased level of seasonal products with QSRs in particular. From a geographical perspective, growth was strongest in Central and Southern Europe, partially offset by performance in Russia and Eastern Europe. Then in APMEA, we reported revenue of an increase to EUR 768 million, with volumes up 9.1% in the first half and 12.1% in Q2. This growth was led by meat and meat alternatives with increased demand for Kerry’s range of local authentic taste and texture systems across global, regional and local leaders. Snacks achieved excellent growth in savory applications, while the growth in bakery was driven by new launch activity and increased demand for functional systems. Both our retail and foodservice channels performed well. And from a geographical standpoint, growth in the region was strongest across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, partially offset by China, which continued to be impacted by local restrictions. Turning to Slide 7 and Dairy Ireland, which delivered solid growth through a period of significant price inflation. Revenue was EUR 695 million in the period, reflecting primarily price increases and volume growth. EBITDA increased by 4.6% to EUR 38 million, reflecting a margin of 5.5%. Overall volume growth for Dairy Ireland was up 2.2%, a good achievement considering the significant price increases across the business. These higher prices reflected constrained global supply dynamics in the dairy ingredients business, which achieved good overall growth, oil and dairy consumer products, overall category volumes were impacted by higher prices. And finally, the new plant-based range of dairy good products was launched at the end of the period. So with that, I'll hand you over to Marguerite to give you some more detail on the financial performance.

Thank you, Edmond, and Good morning everyone. Turning now to Slide 9, financial overview and to bring you through the financial performance in more detail. Overall, group revenue increased to EUR 4.1 billion in the period with volume growth of 6.8%, a key contributor. Group EBITDA increased by 13.1% to EUR 518 million, with overall group EBITDA margin maintained at 12.8%. Adjusted earnings per share increased by 9% in constant currency and by 16.1% in reported currency due to the significant movements in foreign currency in the period with a stronger U.S. dollar being a key driver. Return on capital employed of 10.2%, reflective of recent portfolio developments and free cash flow was EUR 226 million or 72% cash conversion, which I'll comment on in more detail shortly. Turning next to Slide 10 and the group revenue analysis. Overall, reported revenue increased by 13.3% in the period, driven by a number of components as highlighted here. Firstly, in the center of the slide, volume growth of 6.8% and price of 8.3%. On a like-for-like basis, this volume and price growth equates to 7.8% and 9.3%, respectively. On foreign exchange, we had a 5.8% translation currency tailwind on revenue, driven by a weaker euro against the major currencies, combined with a 0.1% transaction impact. Overall, acquisitions and disposals was a net decrease of 7.7% with acquisitions contributing 4.7% to revenue, driven primarily by Niacet more than offset by the effect of the meats and meals business disposal of 12.4% in the period. Moving to Slide 11 and the divisional revenue analysis. Firstly, on the left-hand side, you can see the breakdown of our overall group revenue by business for the first half of the year and our group organic revenue growth of 15.2%. And on the right-hand side, you have Taste & Nutrition's quarterly organic revenue development where you can see that the continued strong business volume growth has been complemented by a step-up in pricing contribution across each of the quarters as we continue to work closely with our customers through this current inflationary period. Turning now to our group H1 EBITDA margin bridge. Overall, group EBITDA increased by 13% to EUR 518 million in the period, with EBITDA margin maintained at 12.8%. Looking at the main drivers. Firstly, we had a net 20 basis points improvement from operating leverage and portfolio mix benefits, which were partially offset by costs associated with business disruption in China and Eastern Europe. Pricing was a net 120 basis point dilution in the period driven principally by the mathematical impact of recovering the absolute increase in raw material input costs through pricing. Overall, we saw mid-to-high teens input cost inflation in the first half. Operational efficiencies contributed 20 basis points to EBITDA margin due to the benefits from the transition to the Global Business Services. Currency added 10 basis points given the mix of our profits and our weakness in the period. And finally, acquisitions and disposals contributed a net 70 basis points as we improved the margin profile of our business, principally through a combination of the acquisition of the higher-margin Niacet business in Taste & Nutrition and the disposal of the lower-margin consumer foods, meats and meals business. Given the volatility in the marketplace and the very significant raw material inflation, we are pleased with our overall EBITDA margin performance and the resilience of our model. Moving next to free cash flow on Slide 13. Overall, we generated free cash flow of EUR 226 million with cash conversion on earnings of 72%. I EBITDA was up EUR 60 million in the period. Moving next to average working capital, which was a net investment of EUR 164 million, primarily due to 3 main drivers. Firstly, the impact of increased raw material input cost inflation. Secondly, the strong first half volume growth drove an increased working capital requirements. And thirdly, decisions we made to increase inventory holdings as we manage through the short-term supply chain disruption. At the end of the period, on a point-to-point basis, we had investment in working capital of circa EUR 100 million higher than the average, which was driven principally by the normal midyear seasonality of our dairy business and the increased inflationary and volume impacts at the end of the second quarter. Over the second half of the year, this seasonality will unwind, and we will have the planned reduction of the Kerryconnect contingency stockholding, which will contribute to our target of circa 80% cash conversion for the full year. And then finally, net capital expenditure was EUR 74 million, which was lower in the period due to the timing and commissioning of a number of large strategic capital development projects that Edmond referenced earlier. Turning to our debt profile and credit metrics on Slide 14. Net debt was EUR 2.5 billion at the end of the period. We have a long maturity profile with a weighted average maturity of 5.1 years. Our credit metrics remained strong with a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 2.1x and EBITDA to net interest increasing to 16x. Overall, we have a very strong balance sheet, which will continue to support our strategic growth initiative. Finally, to cover off a number of other financial matters on Slide 15. On Kerryconnect, I am pleased to say we successfully completed the North America deployments by the end of the period. On pensions, we had a net surplus of EUR 164 million at the end of June, primarily due to the increase in discount rates. On non-trading items, the overall net charge of EUR 62 million, mainly related to the impairment of the group's Russia and Belarus assets of approximately EUR 40 million and the previously announced operational excellence program. For raw materials, we expect similar cost inflation to continue for the second half of the year, and we will continue to use our well-established pricing model to manage input cost fluctuations for the remainder of the year. And finally, on currency, we're forecasting a translation tailwind of circa 8% on adjusted earnings per share for the full year based on current exchange rates. So to summarize, we delivered a good overall financial performance in the period, especially given the current volatility in the marketplace. And with that, I'll hand you back to Edmond.

Thanks, Marguerite. Before I close over the outlook, I just want to take a moment to touch on how our business has evolved over the past number of years. And while we feel strongly positioned for growth despite the fact that we're facing into an uncertain period. On Slide 17 here, and it's one that we've shown many times before, you can see how we run our business through 5 different dimensions. And what I'd like to highlight to you today is the channel lens in particular. So moving on to Slide 18, you can see the performance of our retail and foodservice channels over the past 5 years. In the retail channel, historical volume growth has been in the 3%-4% range. And this has seen an acceleration over the past couple of years. While in the foodservice channel, historical growth was at a higher rate before being impacted by COVID 2020, and this has now recovered really strongly since then. We've made a number of important strategic developments in recent years, enhancing our technology and our local capabilities, which have been important in continuing to meet the needs of our customers and their consumers in their markets across both these channels. In this period, we've seen a number of key dynamics developing across both channels. Firstly, in retail. We're seeing this industry move much quicker than before. Innovation has become far more collaborative, and we're seeing more and more demand for outsourced innovation. There's a huge demand to enhance or at a bare minimum to maintain case profiles by removing sugar, sodium and fat. Every company across the industry is dedicating more time and more resources to improving the overall sustainability impact of their products, including reducing food waste, which is just as much about saving costs as it is about the sustainability impact, especially in the current environment. And adding personal holistic health benefits to products is a long-term macro dynamic that is here to say across both food and beverage categories. And we're seeing the foodservice channel moving at an even faster pace than retail, given how that landscape has evolved over the past couple of years. There's a huge amount of work going on across the foodservice industry to improve and to simplify their back-of-house operations, which is a significant opportunity, but only if you have the technical capabilities and the operational expertise to deliver. Sustainability and Food Waste are just as important and are just as much in focus for the foodservice channel. Chains continue to gain market share and are looking at opportunities to broaden and develop their menu offerings. So our strengths and our expertise to address these key dynamics across both the retail and foodservice channels. This is why we feel we're better positioned than ever before. So finally, moving on to Slide 19 and the outlook and future prospects. While overall market conditions remain uncertain, we feel strongly positioned for growth with a good innovation pipeline in what is a highly dynamic marketplace. We remain confident in our ability to manage through the current inflationary cycle with Kerry's well-established pricing model and our cost initiatives. We will continue to strategically evolve our portfolio and invest capital aligned to our strategic growth priorities and our key growth platforms. And as you've already seen this morning, we are reaffirming our overall EPS guidance range, which reflects an expected overall dilution impact of 2.5% from acquisitions and disposals, inclusive of the divestment of Russia and Belarus. So while we recognize the heightened uncertainty and volatility in the marketplace, we remain confident in our outlook. And we expect to achieve adjusted earnings per share growth in 2022 of 5%-9% on a constant currency basis. And with that, I'll hand you back to the operator, and we look forward to taking your questions.

At this time, I would like to remind everyone in order to ask a question, please press start then the #1 on your telephone keypad. We'll pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster. So our first question comes from the line of Cathal Kenny of Davy.

Two questions from my side. Firstly, Edmond, just on foodservice, very strong performance in the second quarter. Can you speak to the building blocks that enable such growth? And are you taking share within that channel? Secondly, just an overall question on the outlook for volume growth for the full year. Cognizant of such a strong performance in the first half and maybe provide some general commentary around the business outlook as you see it today. And finally, one from [ Argo ecus ] on working capital. Do you expect the endpoint in working capital for the full year to be lower than where it was at the first half? There are my 3 questions.

So firstly, on foodservice. Look, we're very pleased with the continued strong performance on the channel. I went into some detail there at the end of the presentation in terms of just, let's say, some of the key underpins of growth. Overall, we had mid-to-high teens volume growth in the channel, and that continues to reflect, I would say, good momentum in the quarter. In terms of, let's say, the drivers, seasonal menu offerings, I would call out probably as the key driver in Q2. And I think the second point is that innovations to reduce complexity at the back of store, I would say it continued to be a factor in the quarter as well, something I've talked about many times in the past. And then the third point is solutions designed to improve the overall nutritional profile and sustainability impact for our customers. In terms of share, I think if you think about those 3 drivers, our customers in the foodservice channel do not necessarily need to grow in order for us to expand our business with them, especially when you think about that in the context of reducing complexity of the back to store. That is really a scale opportunity for Kerry and an opportunity that had not been here heretofore. This is something that really has changed and evolved over the last 18 months or so, driven by, let's say, labor challenges in the channel. So then in terms of the, let's say, the overall volume outlook, look, we do feel that we do continue to be well positioned for growth, and there is a good innovation pipeline there at an overall level. Look, we are also facing into a period of heightened uncertainty, and there is volatility out there. But of course, this volatility always comes to us with opportunities as we help customers to adapt to the fast-changing marketplace. So look, overall, for the second half of the year, we do expect our full year volumes to be at the top end of that 4%-6% medium-term range. And there also bear in mind maybe for the second half is that we do have stronger comparators.

So just on your working capital question, yes, we do expect to have an overall decrease in working capital from June to the year-end. Two key call outs I would make in that regard. Firstly, we will have the unwind of the normal seasonality of our dairy business that I mentioned earlier. And then secondly, there will be a reduction in the Kerryconnect contingency stock holding, which should be in the zone of EUR 30 million to EUR 40 million. And those as you can appreciate, just given the current environment, particularly right now in the marketplace, there are a number of moving parts, but hopefully, that gives you a directional sense between June and the year-end.

So our second question comes from the line of James Targett from Berenberg.

So I just wanted to, obviously, a very strong H1 congratulations. So sorry to focus on an area which looked a bit softer, which I think was the European retail channel business in Q2. So could you maybe just talk about what you were seeing in the retail business in Q2 in terms of volumes and Taste & Nutrition and the outlook for that area in the second half. And then secondly, on pricing, you mentioned you think cost inflation level is going to be similar in the second half of the year. So should we expect the level of pricing in Q2 to be a good guide for the second half of the year? And in that context, the 120 basis point margin decline from the net pricing, will that be a similar impact in the second half of the year?

Maybe I'll just take the pricing question first. Yes, we're anticipating a similar increase in raw material input costs in the second half and consequently looking at pricing being similar also for the second half. And directionally, yes, the mathematical effect will be broadly similar in the second half.

In terms of the retail performance, look, overall, we have to say we're pleased with the overall performance in the retail channel. You're absolutely right with respect to, let's say, Europe, from an overall level, the main driver in Europe had been growth in the foodservice channel, primarily driven by LTOs. Please bear in mind, just in the Euro performance that we would have seen the impact of, let's say, our Russian, Eastern, Europe business there as well. So that was a little bit of a drag there for the first half. With that said, overall, we had good performance in snacks. Maybe plant-based might be another area we just touch on briefly. We did see some variability region to region there with Europe being a little bit softer while North America was stronger. So hopefully, James, that gives you some perspective.

And just to clarify, so the Russia disposals will obviously be taken through the M&A line, so it won't be affecting volume growth from the second half?

Correct.

So our next question comes from the line of Lauren Molyneux of Citi.

I’m Lauren Molyneux from Citi. I just have 2 questions, please. So obviously, we've all been seeing a lot of the raw material prices softening in recent weeks. And I was just wondering whether you're yet seeing that in your cost base? Or can you just maybe remind us of any time delays or hedging policy that you have there? And then also just thinking this through and maybe when that might start to impact you? And also just in terms of the conversations you're having with customers, whether if customers are seeing prices coming off, is it getting more difficult to put any pricing through. So just whether there's any change in the tone of conversations there or whether you're still quite confident with that pass-through as well? And then the second question that I had was just thinking about obviously the more difficult consumer that just at the minute. Are you seeing any evidence of this down-trading within your customer mix? And then how should we think about that in terms of the mix within your growth and your profitability as well as to whether that's any headwinds? And is that included in your outlook for the rest of the year?

I might start off here and Marguerite might come in after. So firstly, as it relates to, let's say, what we're seeing in the marketplace in terms of, let's say, pricing and how those conversations are going with customers. there continues to be inflation in the marketplace, and we continue to have those conversations with customers. And we haven't seen any, let's say, significant slowdown or anything like that in most of our raw material basket. Most of our raw material basket continues to be in the for quartile when you look at it across a 5-10 year period. So those conversations are continuing. And let's say, I think our results are reflective of, let's say, a model that's working for us and working for our customers. And of course, we continue to offset and try to be as efficient as we possibly can, to try and mitigate some of those cost increases. Then in terms of down trading and what we're seeing in the marketplace, we've seen some, let's say, trading down in a few places. I touch on maybe in the foodservice channel in North America, we've seen, let's say, from a QSR perspective, value meal certainly having an uptick from a demand perspective. And from a European side, we've seen some, let's say, evolution there from a customer perspective or a consumer perspective, moving more towards some private label brands. But overall, from a Kerry perspective, I would say we're well positioned. Let's say, if we're selling a technology or a solution to a branded customer versus a private label customer, there is no, let's say, significant difference from a margin expectation standpoint across those customer bases. And overall, I have to say that demand continues to be quite resilient as we sit here today, of course, we're pragmatic about, let's say, the future. But as we sit here today, there continues to be quite a bit of resiliency from a demand perspective overall.

Our next question comes from the line of Alex Sloane of Barclays.

I've got 2. The first one just on more housekeeping. Just on the cash flow. Thanks for the color on working capital. Just thinking about the second half, could you give any comments on the outlook for CapEx? And would we expect that to normalize? And I guess, what level would you be expecting maybe as a percentage of sales for the full year? And also, can you guide at all on the cash impacts for non-trading items for the full year? And the second question, more strategic. I mean, obviously, more companies are making M&A moves, which to a degree are aimed at following your lead in pursuing integrated solution strategies. I wonder how do you see your competitive moat in integrated solutions in this context? And I guess, to what degree are your investments in things like Kerryconnect and your manufacturing footprint over the last 5 years, maybe giving you a head start on other players who are moving into this space.

I might kick off here with the second part of your question. I think you touched on a few good points already. Look, I think it's fair to say that some of the combinations that we've seen is primarily about expanding portfolios, and it certainly, I believe, validates our approach over the last many years. I do feel we have a very strong head start in that integrated solutions and creating synergistic value for our customers by layering technologies is something that we've been engaging with customers on for quite some time. So I think at an overall level, I think we're very well positioned. Let's say, we’re pretty surprised to see some of these combinations happening because ultimately, this is what the market is looking for, this is what customers are looking for, and they're looking at the opportunity to outsource more and more innovation. This, again, is something that I've been talking about for quite some time. And I feel we're best positioned in terms of enabling customers to do that and giving confidence to customers to outsource elements of their innovation. So from a competitive landscape positioning, we feel good about where we're at. Of course, we continue to evolve our own portfolio. We continue to be active from an M&A perspective. And of course, at the same time, we need to be selective about what we're investing in. And whatever we do from an M&A perspective will be closed in from a strategy perspective center for scale opportunities. But I wouldn't call out any change or overall M&A strategy. And as we sit here today, I don't see any impact on our competitive positioning. We feel pretty good about where we're at.

And Alex, just on the 2 other questions. Firstly, on non-trading items, no change since February. 3 elements to that. Firstly, the accelerated operational excellence program in the zone of EUR 50 million, completion of Kerry Global Businesses Services in the zone of EUR 15 million in acquisition integration costs based on the acquisitions we've announced to date of circa EUR 15 million. And that obviously, in addition, there will be the impairment charge that we recorded at the half year in relation to Russia and Belarus circa EUR 40 million at the half year and a further EUR 15 million in relation to unwinding foreign exchange recycling on the completion of that divestment. And then on capital expenditure, we currently expect the capital to be similar to last year and in the zone of EUR 300 million.

Our next question comes from the line of Faham Baig of Crédit Suisse.

I have a couple of follow-ups and then maybe a separate question. Could you confirm that when you referenced the top end of 4%-6% volume growth you were referencing the group or the T&N division? Because I would expect, excluding Russia, your volumes in T&M to be higher than that 4%-6% because 6% would imply a pretty material 100 basis point slowdown in the 3-year CAGR. So that's my first follow-up. My second follow-up is on working capital. I guess if you could help us with the impact from the seasonality in the dairy business. And what you expect the outflow or were your best guess for the outflow to be for the full year? I guess that will predominantly drive the cash conversion increase for the full year. And then my final question, on the down trading element, I appreciate it's a similar margin if you were to sell lower-value products or your ingredients into value. But what about on a cash profit basis? Is it also similar or is it lower?

Maybe Faham, if I just cover off on William here, I just cover off on the volume. The outlook, I suppose, when we're saying at the top end of the range, given obviously where dairy markets are and obviously, which is incorporating a lot of pricing, we wouldn't be looking at the Kerry Dairy Ireland business really having much growth as we go through the second half of the year. So it's probably towards the top end from a group perspective. From a Taste & Nutrition perspective, we would definitely be looking at the top end of the 4%-6%. So that's just to give you color there. In terms of the second part of your question, Faham. think it's fair to say that the types of conversations that are going on with customers, let's say, in the retail space is that those retailers really are really considering, I would say, how they're going to take advantage of the, let's say, the upcoming potential recession that we're about to face into. And what I mean by that is I don't believe one should automatically assume that the approach that these retailers are going to take will be an NBE approach, a national brand equivalent approach where the primary focus is cost to the, let's say, detriment of quality or supply chain. So I think retailers are being very, let's say, purposeful around and powerful around how they're going to, let's say, set their strategy for the next phase year in terms of private label. But specifically on your question on, let's say, quantum of margin, ultimately, when we look at our business by technology, regardless of what type of customer we're selling that technology to the quantum of margin and the percentage margin is quite similar.

And then just maybe finally on your follow-up question on working capital. In terms of the cash conversion, in terms of the outlook for cash conversion for '22, we're looking at cash conversion in the zone of 80% for the full year. A couple of key call outs that I would make. Firstly, we will have increased trading profit driven by growth in the business as per the guidance in terms of delivering the cash. And secondly, increased investment in working capital, as I mentioned, driven by volume growth, raw material and input cost inflation. And then finally, the capital investments for the year that I referenced earlier. In terms of the seasonality point in relation to the unwind of the normal seasonality of our dairy business. I would say, directionally, it could be in the zone of EUR 50 million to EUR 60 million.

So our next question comes from the line of Mr. Jason Mollin.

Just a few quick questions, if you don't mind. Firstly, in terms of volume performance in T&M during Q2, that's obviously a standard performance. Can you maybe just talk about the exit rate that you saw and how lumpy it was during the period? Second question, again, sorry, around working capital, you elaborated a bit in terms of the inventory side that had an impact. Can you maybe just parse out some of the other key drivers? And if you can put any quantum, for instance, how much the input cost inflation is maybe having a drag? And then finally, just in terms of some of the recent acquisitions you've made, particularly not just a bit of color on how that's performing. Is it a line, et cetera, it would be very helpful.

Jason, apologies. I missed the very first part of your question on volume. You just cut off for one quick second. I just missed the...

No problem. It was just really about the exit rates from the Q2 performance and if there was any lumpiness during the period at Q2.

Sure, Jason. Got it. I would say that we finished the quarter stronger than we started the quarter and maybe one call out there, maybe 2 calls, the first call out is China. Let's say, like we said in the Q1 results, our China performance in Q1 was back double digits. And April, as you're aware, was pretty heavily impacted in China from a restriction standpoint and that then improved in May and June. So that would have been a factor. And the second point that I would make is that we had a number of new launches kick in, in the quarter as well that helped the back end of the quarter. So then in terms of acquisitions, look, we're very happy with the Niacet acquisition. Maybe just to give one example of, let's say, how it is contributing to our business is that we've developed a number of new solutions combining the technology that we acquired Niacet, combining it with it with already developed in-house capability that we had and the combination of those 2 things has actually enabled us to bring solutions to market that enables our customers to further extend shelf life. And by extending shelf life of products for our customers, we're also extending the opportunity for those products to be consumed. And that then subsequently is having an impact on food waste. So that certainly has been a driver for growth here for us in the first half.

And Jason, just on your additional working capital question. Firstly, I would say that the increased working capital is predominantly indexed towards inventory. And there is some increase in receivables, predominantly due to seasonality, the inflation and growth that I referenced and the strong finish in the quarter.

Our next question comes from the line of Charles Eden from UBS.

Just 2 quick ones, following up on some other topics. Firstly, have you seen any indication that value-add or premium innovation from customers is drawing that? You talked a little bit about the dynamics and trading down. But any indication of the appetite for premium innovation is stalling. And my second one, just a follow-up on your comments on plant-based Edmond. If you could just remind us how big that business is for Kerry today? And if possible, break that down between dairy and meat alternatives, that would be much appreciated.

In terms of premium, let's say, we're seeing different things from different customers. But I certainly wouldn't be flagging right now that there's been a slowdown on premium innovation. Just to share with you a very topical example, Charles. This whole area of ready-to-drink cocktails, for instance, low no-alcohol beverages. Those 2 spaces, I would consider them quite premium from a market perspective, but quite dynamic from a launch perspective, and we saw a number of new launches in Q2 actually in both of those spaces. So to me, that would suggest that customers continue to believe that there will be a premium market still out there. That said, of course, there's going to be a value end of the market as well. So I wouldn't be flagging right here today that there is any significant change of north in innovation at the premium side of the market. Charles, in terms of plant-based, look, I'm not going to get into a lot of detail here in terms of the split. But what I would say is that we have seen volatility by region that perhaps we haven't seen previously. From a scale perspective, think about it as over 2% from a revenue perspective of T&M. And from a growth perspective, think about it as double-digit level, and that continued in the quarter. But we did see a softening in Europe, and we did see, I would say, that softening in Europe was primarily the U.K. And in North America, we continue to see, I would say, a very strong growth. And maybe the last point I'd make on plant-base is that we have seen an uptick in churn. So quite, let's say, quite a bit of activity of replacing current products that are in the market. So I would say, an uptick in terms of acceleration in that churn where customers are working hard to put new versions, better tasting and better quality and better performing products in front of their consumers. So continue to be a lot of activity. I continue to be very optimistic about the opportunity there with some volatility certainly in the quarter.

That's great. If I can just follow up quickly, I appreciate you don't want to give absolutes, but in terms of dairy versus plant-based meat, are you able to give any quantum of dairies to exercise for you or anything just to give us a [indiscernible]

Meat would be a bit bigger charge but not significantly.

So our next question comes from the line of John Ennis from Goldman Sachs.

My first is on how you think about foodservice sensitivity during a recession. I guess you must be stress testing your own assumption. So how do you think the foodservice channel could be impacted if we go into a more severe recession in Europe and the U.S.? Does it impact innovation rates for your customers, for instance. So a little bit of learnings from previous recessions would be interesting on that channel. And then I've got 2 follow-ups really on CapEx and working capital again, so apologies. But on the CapEx guide of EUR 300 million, I guess that leaves a lot to be spent in the second half. So can you maybe just give us some details with regards to where that money’s going and how confident you are that you'll get to EUR 300 million for the full year? And then on working capital, if we look at the average loan capital movement, it was EUR 113 million better than the reported outflow. I guess I assume, therefore, that the average working capital outflow is going to be negative and arguably, it should increase as it smooth some of the more recent monthly outflows, i.e. It picks up the EUR 278 million outflow this half or the EUR 184 million outflow at the full year. Is that the right way to think about that average working capital number or am I missing something?

So maybe I'll take the last part of your question, John, first. Just on the average working capital. Firstly, I would say, just from a year-on-year perspective, we do expect an increase in average working capital and primarily driven by the growth of the business and the inflationary environment. And then just in relation to the movements between the June year-end and the June period-end and the year-end. As I mentioned, the primary drivers in relation to our expectation of a reduction in the working capital is the seasonality that I explained and also the Kerryconnect unwind of the contingency stock. So hopefully, that just gives you the clarification between the 2.

In terms of CapEx, I would say, John, and thanks for the question. One should think of it primarily just around timing. The reality is that we've been very busy as it relates to building out our infrastructure over the last few years. And let's say, with several new facilities and new expansions coming down the track at the end of last year, beginning of this year, we did divert some resources towards actually commercializing those facilities for the volume that we knew that was coming through here in the first and second quarters. In terms of, let's say, the outlook for the year, we have several projects on the go. Maybe just want to know of scale is our new state-of-the-art facility that we're putting in place in Indonesia. Then moving on to foodservice. Firstly, important for me to say that foodservice is well above 2019 levels running at about 10% ahead of 2019 levels in the quarter. And I think I would imagine that's well ahead of the market based on our own, let's say, best estimates. We do expect to continue to outperform, let's say, in the foodservice market. There is a lot of, let's say, innovation happening there. And I go back to the section of the presentation where I talked about the key drivers. And one of them that had not been there previously is this whole simplification of the back of house. That effectively is a new market for Kerry. And it's a market that was not there previously. It's an opportunity that wasn't there previously. And it's due to the fact that, let's say, players in this space are looking to reduce the amount of labor that they have to have in the back of the house. The other point here is that we will see some down trading or trading down within the channel. And please bear in mind that we have a good positioning in the channel with a weighting more towards chains and QSR and fast casual and coffee shops. And our sense of it is that, that element of the channel we'll do okay here in the next phase because consumers will actually pay that down into those channels. But look, this is something we're going to have to see how it plays out in the coming months, but something that right now we feel is more of an opportunity than a risk at this stage.

There are no further questions at this time. I turn the call back over to Mr. Lynch.

Thank you, operator. Thanks, everyone, for joining us this morning. If there are any further questions, just please reach out to the IR team, and we just wish you all a nice weekend. Thank you.