Northern Foods, the manufacturer of Donegal Catch frozen fish and Goodfella’s pizzas, said today that first-half revenue rose 2.9 per cent.
The firm said total sales remained constant with volumes up 2.5 per cent during the first six months of 2009.
In a trading statement it said that while market conditions remain competitive, it had seen strong growth in underlying revenue in chilled and bakery products which had offset a decline in sales of frozen goods.
During the six month period under review, chilled goods revenues rose 8.8 per cent, driven by new discount lines in Sandwiches and Salads. Bakery goods rose 3.9 per cent but revenues from frozen products declined 7.5 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.
"We maintain our momentum and enter the second half of our financial year in a solid financial and operating position. Group sales and operating profit expectations remain in line with market expectations," it said. increasing by 2.5 per cent..
The British-based food giant owns Irish manufacturers Green Isle, whose products include Goodfella's pizzas and frozen vegetables. It is also the owner of Donegal Catch, the fish-processing business which sells its products across Ireland and Britain.
"Northern Foods has shown its resilience during the first half, in tough market conditions," said Stefan Barden, chief executive of Northern Foods.
"We continue to invest in our brands and businesses and we have a range of opportunities to drive shareholder value in the coming years. As usual, group sales and profits are weighted to the second half of our financial year. At this stage of the year, we expect to report results in line with market expectations," he added.
