Smucker hiked ad spend in the third quarter as sales topped expectations.

The maker of Jif peanut butter, Folgers coffee and Milk-Bone says ad spend for the reporting period ending Jan. 31 was around $121 million USD, is up 10% year-over-year and sits at 5.5% of net sales, steady with the previous quarter. That’s on the heels of net income of $208.5 million USD, while revenue for the quarter topped $2.2 billion USD.

In this morning’s earnings call, Mark Smucker, chair of the board, president and CEO, said it is supporting marketing across the portfolio.

“We remain confident in our strategy and the strength of our brands, and will continue to support them with ongoing marketing investments,” he said, adding that maintaining ad spend levels demonstrates “our commitment to invest in our brands.”

According to Smucker, the CPG’s Q3 results reflect “robust demand for our leading brands and the continued focus on executing with excellence,” adding that the company is continuously optimizing its portfolio, as reflected in the recently announced $1.2 billion USD divestiture of several pet food brands, including Kibbles ‘n Bits and Rachael Ray.

In dog snacks, Q3 growth was led by the Milk-Bone brand, which grew net sales 11%, and its dry business was hampered by Meow Mix supply constraints. The wet portion, however, continues to thrive and grow.

The company’s Nutrish brand, Smucker says, continues to benefit from some shifts within the category, the optimization of assortment including offerings with improved nutrition credentials, and a refreshed marketing campaign.

Retail consumer foods was a laggard, with net sales increasing only slightly thanks to a Jif recall in the U.S., increased marketing investments and the noncomparable segment profit in the prior year related to the divested natural beverage and grains businesses. 

Internationally and away from home, net sales increased $22.8 million USD, or 9% year-over-year. 

According to Smucker, the company will continue to leverage opportunities consistent with its U.S. retail businesses, such as launching its popular Uncrustables in Canada early next fiscal year. The sandwiches continued to deliver exceptional growth, with Smucker reporting that net sales increased 38%, or nearly $40 million USD, driven by double digit volume/mix growth and higher pricing.