MELVILLE, N.Y. — Expanded distribution and sales helped contribute to a 23% increase in income for The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. during the second quarter.

For the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011, the company had income of $20,038,000, equal to 45c per share on the common stock, which compared with income of $16,267,000, or 38c per share, during the same quarter of the previous year. Sales for the quarter were $385,552,000, up 32% from $291,878,000 during the same quarter of the previous year.

“At a time when many consumer packaged goods companies are experiencing 1% to 2% consumption growth in the grocery channel, we are achieving consumption growth at more than three times that rate,” said Irwin D. Simon, founder, president and chief executive officer. “In the United States, we continue to drive sales growth in our core distribution channels. We are pleased and delighted to see that consumers continue to be attracted to our more healthful food and personal care products. Based on our experience during the last few months, we are even more excited today about working with the Daniels Group management team, and we can see the high potential they have to contribute to the future overall growth of Hain Celestial.”

For the six months ended Dec. 31, the company had income of $31,728,000, or 72c per share, up 25% from $25,362,000, or 59c per share, during the same period of the previous year. Sales for the period were $677,911,000, up 23% from $549,839,000 during the same period of the previous year.