Sales increase of 21 per cent

The Central Garden & Pet Company announced results for its second quarter, which ended on 31st March. The company reported net sales of $ 486 million, an increase of 21 per cent from $ 401 million in the comparable fiscal 2006 period. Income from operations for the quarter increased 1 per cent to $ 46.2 million from $ 45.7 million in the year-ago period. Branded product sales increased 25 per cent. Sales of other manufacturers’ products increased 2 per cent. Organic sales increased 11 per cent. Net sales for the pet products segment were $ 230 million, an increase of 23 per cent from $ 187 million in the comparable fiscal 2006 period. “Our continued focus on new product innovation supported by our brand building initiatives, contribution from acquisitions completed in fiscal 2006, and favourable early season weather conditions drove our strong sales performance,” noted Glenn Novotny, president and chief executive officer of Central Garden & Pet.