Despite high raw material prices, the margin on operating profit rose

Nestle, the world's largest food company by sales said half-year net profit rose by 18% to CHF4.92 billion from CHF4.16 billion in the year-ago period, beating analyst expectations of around CHF4.59 billion.

 Organic growth, a closely-watched performance measure including volume and
price changes but not acquisition or divestments, stood at 7.4%, above market
expectations of 6.7%.Sales increased by 8.4% to CHF51.11 billion from CHF47.14
billion. and earnings before interest and taxes by 13% to CHF6.76 billion from
CHF5.95 billion.