By Joe Hoppe

Kerry Group PLC said Friday that its first-half pretax profit rose on higher revenue.

The Ireland-based food company made a pretax profit of 262.9 million euros ($312.5 million) for the six months compared with EUR244.9 million in the year-earlier period.

Revenue was EUR3.58 billion, up from EUR3.41 billion the prior year. This was driven by improving conditions in its developed markets, with increased economic activity, reopening levels and consumer confidence, though developing markets saw a lot more variability.

"Our performance through the period gives us continued confidence in our full-year outlook, while recognizing the inherent uncertainty that will remain in many regions through the remainder of the year," Chief Executive Edmond Scanlon said.

The board declared an interim dividend of 28.5 European cents compared with 25.9 European cents a year earlier.

Write to Joe Hoppe at joseph.hoppe@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

07-30-21 0313ET