Core Insights - Bel Group is expanding its production of The Laughing Cow cheese in Spain, investing €1.5 million ($1.7 million) to add a 600m² building with two new packaging lines, which will increase annual output by 15% to nearly 7,000 tonnes, equivalent to about 500 million portions [1] - The Ulzama plant, operational since 1968, produces cheese portions for Spain and Portugal and employs around 140 people. The facility has also implemented a biomass boiler to replace fossil fuels, reducing CO₂ emissions by 500 tonnes annually, marking a significant step in Bel's decarbonisation strategy [2] - Bel's chief operations officer emphasized the company's dual focus on sustainability and profitability, highlighting the Ulzama site's transition to renewable energy and its expansion plans [3] Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Bel Group reported a 5.4% decline in consolidated net profit to €45.8 million, while recurring operating income fell by 19.3% to €125 million. However, consolidated net sales increased by 3.2% organically to €1.86 billion, driven by higher volumes and price increases that countered inflation in raw materials [4][5] - The company's core brands performed well, with Kiri sales rising by 8.2%, Mini Babybel by 6.1%, and Boursin by 7.3%, despite challenges from geopolitical tensions and increased consumer price sensitivity [6] Strategic Initiatives - Bel has set a target for all Babybel products to be packaged in recyclable paper by 2027, reflecting its commitment to sustainability [4] - The company acquired a 22.5% stake in Indonesian cheese maker Mulia Boga Raya, aiming to enhance cheese consumption in Indonesia and develop tailored innovations [4]