Glass packaging manufacturer Saint-Gobain will continue to focus on emerging market development after strong Latin American sales spurred organic growth. Verallia, the French-based company's packaging segment, reported 30% growth compared to 2010 - with a "favourable" sale price increase of 2.7% for the year and strong sales in countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Chile driving the increase. The firm recorded EBITDA at EUR 418M for 2011 - surpassing the EUR 400M predicted in the first half of the year. The US, France, Italy, Spain and Germany continue to drive Verallia in terms of sales, but investments, developments and acquisitions in emerging nations have become a priority for the company. The company said it expects packaging segment results to remain stable across all regions in 2012. "The packaging sector has benefited from the strength of Latin America; activity has been very dynamic in Brazil but also in Argentina and Chile, where our clients (wine producers) have enjoyed very strong exports," a Verallia spokesperson said.
