“Our categories are showing continued strength, and we are maintaining our full year outlook.”

In context

“accelerate growth there even in the context of a weaker category? Dirk Van de Put: Thanks, Andrew. Yes, yes, maybe quickly, overall, we think the Q2 results are quite good. We had some good pricing. If you discount for the downsizing, we're flattish as it relates to volume/mix, and our bottom line is slightly better than expected. I think what also is clear is that we have a very good global balance in the sense that we see a continued weakness in North America, but we had a strong quarter in the rest of the world. And since our sales are well balanced between the different continents, that really helps us. The other one that's important for us is that chocolate and the significant pricing increases and RGM actions that we've done are playing out in line with expectations. So that's good. Our categories are showing continued strength, and we are maintaining our full year outlook. So overall, we feel good about the quarter. If I go a little bit around the world, maybe starting in Europe, a good quarter in Europe with good numbers, strong share gains. Clearly, the business is very resilient. The consumer is more confident in Europe, still quite fragile and frugal spending, but snacking continues to outpace food. And overall, I would say we feel pretty good about our European business. Consumers are not exactly bullish, but -- and they're focused on essentials, but they keep on buying our category even despite the significant price increases that we have to do in chocolate. If I go to the U.S., a little bit more of a difficult situation there. There's a lot of consumer anxiety. They look at a quite uncertain outlook as it relates to their personal finances, job expec”