Food
Despite the closure of its largest customers, Beyond Meat's quarterly sales grew by no less than 141 % to 97 million dollars (90 million euros). This summer, the producer of meat substitutes plans an aggressive growth strategy.
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General
Despite record sales of 75.5 billion dollars (69 billion euros), Amazon fears a loss of 1.5 billion dollars (1.3 billion euros) in the second quarter due to extra costs to combat covid-19.
French retail group Carrefour published strong growth figures in all countries in the first quarter. This is not only due to panic buying caused by the corona crisis: the improvement was already underway in the beginning of the year.
Fashion
Adidas has seen its profits evaporate in its first quarter, plummeting by 97 %. Turnover fell by 19 %, but a drop twice as big is expected for the second quarter.
The closure of bars and restaurants has resulted in a sharp decline in Pernod Ricard's sales, which fell by 13.3 % in the past quarter. Only in America sales grew slightly, mostly because the lockdown measures started later in the United States.
The confinement due to the coronavirus in many countries led to first quarter growth for Nestlé, but Chinese sales fell and recent divestments by the food giant also had a negative impact.
French supermarket group Casino published a favourable quarterly report, with an increase in turnover that it largely owes to the lockdown in France. Both online activities and convenience stores reported exceptional results.
Hermès appears to be more resilient to the coronavirus crisis than many of its competitors: sales declined by "only" 7.7 % on a comparable basis in the first quarter, and sales in China are now expected to pick up again.
Unilever has withdrawn its full-year forecast, feeling it cannot reliably estimate the consequences of the corona pandemic. The FMCG giant's first quarter turnover rose slightly.
People seem to be drinking less during the corona crisis: Heineken's sales volume decreased by 14 % in March, resulting in a volume decline of 2.1 % for the quarter as a whole. And still, the beverage group believes the second quarter will be even tougher.
The coronavirus outbreak, especially in China, has a major impact on luxury group Kering: the Gucci owner saw turnover drop 15.4 % in the first quarter. Nevertheless, the fashion house is already seeing signs of recovery.
Danone fares well under the current confinement: in March, sales increased by 5 to 10 % thanks to consumer stockpiling. In its first quarter, the group recorded a 3.7 % sales increase on a comparable basis. Belgian subsidiary Alpro is even struggling to meet demand.
Coca-Cola has warned its turnover in the second quarter may be hit hard by the corona crisis. Its sales in April have gone down by a quarter.
The coronavirus has caused an unprecedented turnover drop at fashion discounter Primark. As the chain has no webshop and all physical stores are closed, its monthly sales have dropped to literally zero euros.
Greenyard is running at full speed: sales have risen sharply due to the high demand during the coronavirus pandemic and profits are also improving, the Belgian vegetable processor reports in an intermediary update.
The Covid-19 pandemic has cost French luxury group LVMH 15 % in revenue in its first quarter. Most shops and production facilities are closed, but owner Bernard Arnault remains positive. He has waived his salary to set an example.
