Premier Foods says popular brands benefited from Christmas rush

Premier Foods says its most popular brands, including Hovis, Mr Kipling and Bisto have benefited from supermarkets experiencing a bumper Christmas, and a healthy 2009.

Hovis

The food manufacturer expects its full-year pre-tax profit to be in line with expectations, estimating it made £165m pounds in 2009 and says its increased marketing expenditure has helped it to achieve this.

Premier Foods says it has seen especially strong performances from Ambrosia desserts, Loyd Grossman sauces and Batchelor’s soup and noodles while sales were also boosted by new product launches such as Mr Kipling Christmas puddings.

It estimates its products were bought by more than 99% of households last year and expects to report a trading profit of around £320m, 3.5% higher than the previous year.

Premier Foods also expects to announce total sales of £2.66bn for 2009, up 2.2 %. Branded sales now account for 63% of turnover.

The company has recently launched a range of new marketing campaigns for its brands and unveiled new products to boost its popular brand ranges.

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