Revenue at Smurfit Kappa Group rose by 6 per cent in the first half of the year, the company said today, with earnings before interest and tax at €512 million for the period.

Chief executive Gary McGann said the growth was the result of improved pricing, continued cost take-out and enhanced efficiency programmes.

Volume growth in its European market rose by more than 2 per cent year on year, with growth in the Americas region, excluding SK Orange County, at 5 per cent.

The group said it would pay an interim dividend of 10.25 cent, up 37 per cent year on year.

“SKG’s ability to win new business in the current challenging operating environment is evidence of the group’s strong value proposition for our customers,” Mr McGann said. “With an integrated global network of packaging designers, trademarked software tools and technical engineers, SKG is well placed to deliver a superior total offering together with real cost efficiencies throughout its customers’ supply chains.”