Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd's pre-tax profit for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013, rose to RM46.77 million from
RM40.59 million achieved in the same period last year.

Revenue increased to RM249.70 million from RM217.54 million in the corresponding quarter a year ago.

Dutch Lady in a filing to Bursa Malaysia today said the higher pre-tax profit was mainly contributed by higher sales volume while the higher revenue was due to strong sales in its powder and liquid milk products.

For the six-month period, pre-tax profit increased to RM85.98 million from RM77.71 million in the previous corresponding period on the back of a revenue of RM455.97 million compared with RM431.60 million previously.

On prospects, it said despite the commendable first-half year result, dairy raw material prices remained on a rising trend and the weakening ringgit would therefore pose challenges.

However, the company was caustiously optimistic on the current year performance given the strength of its Dutch Lady brand.-- Bernama