Overall, operating profits at the group climbed 43 per cent to €217 million, beating analysts' expectations.
Sales growth of 9 per cent came from a combination of the newly acquired NeoResins business and an average 8 per cent increase in selling prices over the prior year's second quarter.
This countered a 1 per cent decline in volume growth, although some units reported higher demand including the animal nutrition business and food specialties, which makes probiotics and other ingredients.
Negative exchange rates were blamed for a slight decline in sales at DSM Nutritional Products, the world's biggest vitamin business, but it continues to improve margins.
Operating profits at this unit were up 26 per cent as a result of increased sales to both animal nutrition and personal care, and the operating cost savings brought about by the Vital project.
In human nutrition and health however prices and volumes were 'fairly stable', said DSM .
