May 13, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Metsä Tissue posted sales of Euro 225 million for January-March, with operating profit holding steady at Euro 19 million. Net sales showed an increase of roughly 3% on the corresponding period last year. Growth in sales was principally attributable to higher sales volumes, company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. Sales of Metsä Tissue's own brands showed a year-on-year increase of 11%, with a gratifying upturn reported particularly for Lambi, Katrin and Serla. The Russian market also witnessed a pleasing pick-up in sales. A good operating profit was achieved thanks to higher sales volumes, exchange rate fluctuation and a favourable product/price mix, which compensated for the sudden hike in the cost of raw materials, pulp and recovered paper. Successful hedging also contributed positively to the result. The company incurred unforeseen additional expenses due to the exceptionally cold winter and recent industrial actions. Demand for tissue and cooking papers is expected to remain stable. Limited pulp availability and the skyrocketing of raw material costs will have an inevitable effect on Metsä Tissue prices across all product categories, company said. Metsä Tissue is a leading supplier of tissue paper products to households and professional users in Europe. Metsä Tissue is part of the Metsäliitto Group.