2 years ago
22
ARTICLE AD BOX
By Becky Morton
Business reporter, BBC News
Image source, Getty Images
KitKat maker Nestle has put up its prices again due to "unprecedented" increases in costs.
The Swiss food giant said it had increased prices by 6.5% in the first half of this year.
McDonald's and Coca-Cola also announced price rises this week.
Companies are facing increased costs for things like fuel, wages and ingredients, with consumer prices rising at their fastest rate for 40 years.
Chief executive Mark Schneider said price increases were implemented "in a responsible manner".
"We limited the impact of unprecedented inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints on our margin development through disciplined cost control and operational efficiencies," he added.
Price rises were highest in North America, at 9.8%, compared with 4.9% in Europe.
The announcement came as the company reported its half-year results, with total sales increasing by 9.2%.
Net profit fell by 11.7% as a result of one-off items, including higher taxes.
The firm also raised its sales growth forecast for the year to between 7% and 8%.
Some firms are also having to increase wages to attract and retain staff, with job vacancies at near record highs. However, pay increases are not keeping up with the growing cost of living.
On Wednesday, McDonald's said it was increasing the price of its cheeseburger for the first time in more than 14 years - from 99p to £1.19.
It came after drinks giant Coca-Cola told Bloomberg its global prices had increased by an average of about 5%
English (US)