Strong performance in emerging markets and a strategic focus on customer segmentation rather than individual products have driven Barry Callebaut to record half year profits.

The Swiss chocolate maker saw its six month net profit figure rise 9 per cent to CHF158.8m (€122.81m) in the first half of 2010 even as political unrest grew in primary cocoa source, the Ivory Coast. Western European sales volumes fell 1.8 per cent amid profits coming under aggressive price pressure and "weaker consumer product results".

Eastern Europe sales volumes, however, rose 7.4 per cent pulling itself out of a previous slump. Overall European volumes increased 2.3 per cent.