The world's largest ketchup manufacturer HJ Heinz said Thursday quarterly results were better than expected on strong international sales that overcame rising energy and raw material costs, dpa reported.
Profit in the firm's first quarter, which ended in July, were up 12 per cent to 229 million dollars. Revenue rose 15 per cent to 2.9 billion dollars, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based firm said.
Heinz benefited from sales in developing countries and the trend toward healthier products, with sales of its Weight Watchers products and baby food.