Kerry Group’s interim management statement for the first quarter of 2026, released ahead of the company’s annual general meeting on Thursday 30 April, showed strong sales volume growth in North America and Asia and a return to volume growth in Europe.

However, the weakening dollar meant a 7.9% adverse currency translation resulting in an overall reported revenue decrease of 7.3%.

The company said that it had improved earnings margin by 60 basis points, led by efficiencies delivered through its cost-saving programme.

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Kerry CEO Edmond Scanlon said: “We are pleased to deliver a good start to the year, with volume growth across all three regions and continued margin expansion.

“While recognising the uncertainty around the ongoing geopolitical volatility, our business remains strongly positioned for volume growth and margin expansion.”

Dividend

Kerry maintained its constant currency adjusted earnings per share guidance of 6% to 10% growth in 2026.

The company’s AGM, starting at 2pm in the Rose Hotel in Tralee, is expected to approve the proposed final dividend of 90c per share. The AGM will also see the retirement of Tom Moran as chair of the company, with Fiona Dawson taking up the role.

Shares in Kerry Group were trading 3% higher at €71.90 in the wake of the interim statement.