Alliance One International said improved global weather patterns have returned crop sizes to normal in key markets where AOI currently is buying, with the notable exception of Malawi where the burley crop was much smaller.

AOI sold 61.2 million kilos in the three months to 30 June, which was about the same volume as last year. An average 4.8 per cent hike in sales prices, driven by higher lamina sales, raised revenue 6.1 per cent to USD 277 million (EUR 235 million), AOI said. “"Due to selling mainly prior year crops during the quarter that were impacted by currency and smaller crops sizes last year, gross profit decreased USD 5.4 million to USD 28.6 million,” Sikkel said.