Sales down at Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet has announced that its net sales have declined by 7 per cent to $ 293 mio, compared to $ 314 mio in the comparable fiscal 2008 period. The company reported an operating loss of $ 2.7 mio, compared to a loss of $ 391 mio in the year-ago period. Net interest expense was $ 6.6 mio compared to $ 11.2 mio a year ago. Branded products sales decreased 7 per cent to $ 242 mio. Sales of other manufacturers' products declined 4 per cent to $ 50 mio. Depreciation and amortisation was $ 7.5 mio compared to $ 8.0 mio in the year-ago period. Net sales for the pet products segment were $ 186 mio, a decrease of 8 per cent as against the comparable fiscal 2008 period. Operating income for the pet products segment was $ 12.9 mio, compared to a loss of $ 181 mio in the year-ago period.