SALES of Cadbury Ireland reached record levels in Ireland last year, writes Sebastian Taylor from London. The Irish division contributed to a marked improvement in the financial results of Cadbury Schweppes where pre-tax profit rose 12 per cent to £671 million sterling on sales up 7 per cent at £5.11 billion. Chairman Mr Dominic Cadbury said the group's core confectionery companies, including Cadbury Ireland, turned in "outstanding performances" with volume increases.

The group's Irish subsidiary increased its market share both in chocolate and sugar confectionery and maintained output levels for exports, notably for Hershey in the United States. Overall, the global confectionery interests of Cadbury Schweppes lifted trading profits by £26 million to £267 million on turnover up £73 million at £2.24 billion.