Declining sales at Central Garden & Pet

The American pet product supplier Central Garden & Pet Company reported first-quarter net sales of $290.5 mio, compared with $292.5 mio in the first quarter of the previous year. The company’s first-quarter operating loss improved to $8.4 mio, compared to an operating loss of $13.1 mio in the comparable period of 2013.

"Our first quarter showed some improvement. Our focus on the customer and operational and financial fundamentals is beginning to yield results. I am pleased we are starting to see improved performance from the changes we are making," said John Ranelli, president & CEO of Central Garden & Pet.

Net sales for the garden segment increased $8.6 mio, or 9 per cent from the same period a year ago, to $105.9 mio. The garden segment's branded product sales were $92.8 mio and sales of other manufacturers' products were $13.1 mio. First-quarter net sales for the pet segment declined $10.6 mio, or 5 per cent from the same period a year ago, to $184.6 mio. According to the company, lower sales of wild bird feed and aquatics products were the most important reasons for the declining sales. The pet segment's branded product sales were $140.5 mio and sales of other manufacturers' products were $44.1 mio. The pet segment's operating income was $14.4 mio, compared to $10.2 mio in the same period a year ago.