Onken is set to make a major play for the breakfast on the go category with the launch of Onken Porridge this autumn.
Parent company Emmi announced the impending launch in its first-half results, published today (23 August), and highlighted it as an innovation that resonates with key consumer health trends and growing demand for healthy snacks.
The new product will be ready to eat – a category first, said Emmi – and can be consumed hot or cold. It will be available in two variants, classic and apple, from September. It will also be sold under the Emmi brand in other markets.
Onken already has a presence in the UK breakfast category through its Onken Muesli yoghurt pots. With its new porridge launch, it is set to go head to head against the likes of Quaker’s Oat So Simple, Kellogg’s and Moma, which – although ambient and requiring hot water to be prepared – target a similar set of consumers and eating occasions.
First-half results
Emmi today reported first-half sales of CHF 1,594m, up 2% year on year but down 0.7% in organic terms. Net profit stood at CHF 61m, up from CHF 46m.
In its European division, which includes the UK, Emmi said it had achieved “moderate sales growth” despite a challenging environment. Caffe Latte and Italian desserts had performed well, it said, but AOP cheeses, particularly Emmentaler had struggled.
Emmi reiterated its full-year guidance but said it did not expect substantial change in the challenging economic conditions, including volatility around milk prices. It also stressed the impact of Brexit was too early to assess.
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