Atlantic Grupa has raised its 2026 profitability outlook after nine-month sales increased 9.5% to €962.6 million, with growth in Western Europe and investment in food production strengthening its position with grocery retailers.

The Croatian food, drink and distribution group published the results on 27 October. It now expects full-year normalised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation to exceed €125 million.

Reported nine-month EBITDA rose 23% to €108.6 million. The detailed financial report puts normalised EBITDA, which excludes one-off items, at €103.4 million, up 18.2%. Reported net profit was €46 million, while normalised net profit was €42 million.

Keeping those measures separate matters when assessing the supplier’s underlying performance. The group’s short announcement labels the €46 million figure as normalised, but its detailed reconciliation identifies that amount as reported net profit. The €42 million figure is the normalised measure in the financial report.

Atlantic, profiled among Croatia’s leading FMCG companies, combines its own brands with distribution for other manufacturers. Own brands accounted for 62.8% of sales, principal brands for 27.8% and the pharmacy business for 9.4%.

That mix means group growth cannot be read as a single supermarket category trend. Pharmacy sales grew 18.2%, savoury spreads 11.9% and beverages 6.1%, according to the company.

Germany delivered sales growth of 46%, while Austria grew 17.8%. Atlantic highlighted Argeta, Donat and Smoki as brands contributing to its Western European development.

For supermarket category managers, the figures support a closer look at regional brands with an established supply network. A listing decision still depends on local demand, rate of sale, promotional support and the supplier’s ability to replenish the agreed range.

The group also set out the next stage of its spreads manufacturing plan. Osem became part of Atlantic on 1 September, with planned investment in Murska Sobota totalling €40 million, including the acquisition price.

The site is intended to become a third savoury-spreads production location alongside Izola and Hadžići, with a focus on Western European exports. The €40 million figure therefore covers more than factory equipment, and the announcement should not be read as confirmation that all planned capacity is already operating.

Atlantic’s results also show why procurement negotiations need to remain specific to each product. Its financial report records lower purchase prices for cocoa and raw coffee, partly offset by higher costs for metal packaging, edible oils and chicken meat.

A retailer buying a meat spread in a metal pack may face a different cost picture from one buying coffee. Changes in a supplier’s overall profitability do not establish how individual product costs or future wholesale prices will move.

Distribution remains another part of the offer. Atlantic’s position in Serbia’s branded food and distribution market illustrates the need to distinguish brands owned by the group from third-party brands supplied under territory-specific agreements.

The next phase will centre on delivering the higher profit expectation while developing the spreads platform and maintaining Western European growth. For grocery buyers, the relevant evidence will be confirmed capacity, service levels and sustained sales for the products on their shelves.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on Atlantic Grupa’s official announcement and detailed nine-month financial report dated 27 October 2026. GTN has added grocery sourcing analysis and clarified the report’s separate reported and normalised profit measures.