Fruit and vegetable producer Costa Group has reported a half year statutory net profit of $4.3 million, down $70 million on the prior corresponding period thanks to a range of factors including a smaller citrus harvest and "subdued" buying of tomatoes, berries and other produce in December.

While the factors affecting Costa's results had already been flagged to the market, the company confirmed this morning that its $8.5 million net profit before material items and amortisation was "below plan" by about $3.5 million.

But Costa's total revenue for the December half, while down 2.4 per cent to $477.6 million, was well ahead of consensus expectations for revenue of $433 million.

"The six-month financial period to December has delivered a lower profit number than expected," said Costa chief executive Harry Debney.

"There were several contributing factors to this, some of which had been accounted for including bringing African Blue on to our balance sheet as a result of majority ownership, additional pre-harvest farming cost investment through our increased international footprint and an 'off' citrus season in terms of the biennial nature of the crop," he said.

Costa recorded earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) before the accounting treatment known as SGARA of $35.3 million, down from $60.9 million in the prior corresponding period.

Costa announced a fully franked five cent dividend for shareholders, to be paid on April 12. The five cent interim dividend is unchanged from last year.