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ÉCULLY, France – Groupe SEB reported sales of €5,664m, stable vs 2024 LFL (-1.1% on a reported basis), for the first nine months of the year. The currency effect was -€124m, while the scope effect linked to the integration of Sofilac and La Brigade de Buyer contributed +€62m.
This performance includes a slight organic decrease in sales in the 3rd quarter (-1.2%). Over the same period, the currency effect remained negative (-€60m) due to further appreciation of the euro.
The Consumer business posted 9-month sales of €4,934m, up +1.2% LFL (-1.3% on a reported basis). Sales decreased by -0.8% LFL in the 3rd quarter (-4.0% on a reported basis).
Against a backdrop of significant changes in tariffs, the wait-and-see attitude of retailers in the United States, which was already evident in the 2nd quarter, persisted into the 3rd quarter. In addition, Small Domestic Equipment markets were less buoyant than expected in Europe, particularly in France and Germany.
However, some achievements remained noteworthy. In the 3rd quarter, organic sales growth in the Consumer business was +3.0%, excluding North America and loyalty programs. This reflects the success of product launches in 2025, continued strong momentum in Southern, Eastern and Northern Europe, and solid performance in China.
9-month sales in the Professional business amounted to €730m, down organically by -7.9% (+0.5% on a reported basis, including the contribution of the most recent acquisitions). Sales increased by +0.9% on a reported basis in the 3rd quarter, but were down -4.1% LFL, impacted by a base effect related to the consolidation of Sofilac in 2024: six months of activity had been recognized in the 3rd quarter 2024 alone. Excluding this one-off accounting impact, Professional sales posted organic growth of +2.4% for the quarter.
After several quarters of decline, the Professional Coffee business returned to growth in Q3 (c.+3% LFL), albeit below expectations. This reflects a dynamic core business in Germany and double-digit growth in China. Development also continued in Northern and Eastern Europe, South-East Asia and the Middle East, alongside the strengthening of services, particularly in Germany and via to the integration of Tasty in China. Activity in the United States was adversely affected by customers’ wait-and-see attitude amid tariffs uncertainty.
The Professional business recorded a -7.9% LFL decline in sales over the first nine months, but up +0.5% on a reported basis, including the contribution of the most recent acquisitions.
Sales fell by -4.1% LFL in the 3rd quarter, reflecting a one-off base effect linked to the consolidation of Sofilac in 2024 (six months of activity had been recognized in the 3rd quarter of 2024 alone). Excluding this one-off accounting impact, sales increased by +2.4% LFL.
After several quarters of decline, Professional Coffee sales returned to growth this quarter, although at a level below expectations (c.+3% LFL).
This activity benefits from a dynamic core business in Germany, fueled by the strengthening of services, as well as in China, which posted double-digit growth driven by additional deliveries to major customers and the integration of the recently acquired services company Tasty.
During the quarter, the Group also continued its development in Northern and Eastern Europe, South-East Asia and in the Middle East.
Nevertheless, this good overall momentum was impacted by a decline in sales in the United States, reflecting customers’ wait-and-see attitude, which is mainly linked to uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Operating Result from Activity (ORfA)
Operating Result from Activity (ORfA) for the first nine months reached €267m, down -39.8% compared with 2024 (€444m). This includes a negative currency effect of €76m and a positive scope effect of €6m. The operating margin was down to 4.7% vs 7.8% in 2024.
In the 3rd quarter, ORfA came to €148m, down -26.2% from 2024. The operating margin was also down to 7.7% vs 10.1% in Q3 2024.
This decrease in ORfA in the 3rd quarter reflects:
- a slight decrease in sales vs 2024 and the negative impact on operational leverage,
- a continuation of the decline in results in North America (-€20m vs. 2024), similar to the 1st half,
- continued strengthening of the euro in 2025, which limited the offsetting of currency effects in emerging countries (negative impact of -€15m in 3rd quarter after -€25m in H1 vs. 2024).
In addition, in this quarter, the contribution from Professional Coffee is in line with 2024, after the decrease in the 1st half of the year (-€40m vs. 2024). Investments in growth drivers were stable in the 3rd quarter, after a €60m increase in the 1st half of the year compared with 2024.
Groupe Seb: Outlook for 2025
The Group revised its financial outlook on October 6, 2025, adopting a more cautious stance for the end of the year. The Group anticipates stable to slightly positive organic sales growth for full year 2025, with Operating Result from Activity expected to be between €550m and €600m.
As such, the Group intends to accelerate its growth in the most dynamic segments in the 4th quarter, while intensifying the pace of product launches. Marketing and advertising investment will remain sustained, but targeted, supporting a multi-channel activation strategy during a period dense of commercial events (Black Friday, Christmas or Singles’ Day in China).
In the Professional business, the service offering will continue to be strengthened, reinforcing the Group’s partnership and proximity with its customers. Furthermore, the good sales momentum in full auto coffee machines in Europe and Asia is expected to continue.
Finally, cost reduction programs for “non-essential” spending will be intensified to ensure strict control of the cost base.
Launch of a plan to return to profitable growth
Following an in-depth review of its performance and economic environment, the Group is launching a global plan to restore its growth momentum and profitability standards.
This plan is intended to adapt the Group to the rapid shift in its markets – digitalization, new consumer expectations, and environmental requirements – to accelerate its sustainable growth trajectory.
Undertaken initiatives will enable the Group to:
- accelerate its growth by substantially increasing its investment capacity in innovation, AI, and digital,
- streamline its organizations to enhance its agility,
- and strengthen its consumer engagement around experience and sustainability.
It includes approximately 200 million euros in recurring savings by 2027 through:
- reduced purchasing costs,
- optimization of operational and corporate structures,
- improving industrial efficiency,
- and process simplification.
Savings measures have already been implemented in the short term.
The Group is conducting the assessment of this plan and will communicate on this topic in early 2026.
