When a new year arrives, it’s almost traditional to give up chocolate. That lasts around a month. Then lent comes along and some of us try again… but as soon as we can get our hands on those chocolate eggs, we make up for lost time!
That’s why it comes as something of a surprise to learn that one of the most well-established names in the world of chocolate is actually bracing itself for what it called a ‘challenging year’ ahead.
What’s gone wrong?
Nestle, the Swiss company famous for chocolate products such as the Milkybar, has seen its sales increase during the first three months of 2012 – reaching £14.6billion, an increase of 5.6 per cent compared to the same period last year. However, despite the increase in sales, it believes that it may struggle going forward.
It has pointed to what it described as a subdued environment in many developing markets even though it believes most emerging markets are rich in growth opportunities. The brand has also been hit by the strength of the Swiss franc, which cut its earnings by 13.4 per cent over the full year. In the last six months, the Swiss central bank has been attempting to weaken its currency to support exports.
Nevertheless, it’s not all doom and gloom for Nestle – as it predicts an improved raw material environment during the second half of the year. Its prices are also set to rise and this could lead to improved earnings and profit margins.
Satisfy your sweet tooth
While price increases may be necessary to keep the Nestle brand thriving, it’s not exactly encouraging news for those of us with a sweet tooth: especially as those “unnecessary” treats like sweets and chocolate are often the first thing to go when we’re looking to cut back and save ourselves a little money.
So if you’re keen to divulge then why not check out the food and drink voucher code section of Moneysaver.ie? Currently it is offering a fantastic deal for anyone with a taste for chocolate – with this Chocolate Trading voucher code offering eight per cent off everything at the site. Be fast however, because the offer expires on April 30.
It’s not just chocolate savings that are available. For example, if you love coffee then there are Coffees of Hawaii voucher codes including: 23 per cent off 8oz Hawaiian Espresso Moloka I’Style; and 10 per cent off and free shipping on all wedding favours orders. You can also pick up a Wine Hound voucher code with 10 per cent off any wine order; or 10 per cent off orders over £60 at Winedeal.co.uk.