Premier reports solid start to 2009

In an interim management statement, the food manufacturer which employs around 16,000 people and operates from over 60 sites across the UK and Ireland and owns brands such as Hovis, Mr Kipling, Batchelor’s, Quorn, Bisto, Ambrosia, Sharwood’s, Branston, Oxo, and Hartley’s and many more said total sales for the 16 weeks ending 25 April were up 3%. Chief executive Robert Schofield said he was pleased by the solid start that the group had made in 2009, with strong grocery sales. “This was driven mainly by pricing achieved during 2008 despite sales volume growth being held back during the period by an element of destocking by some retailers,” he continued. “Our biggest brand, Hovis, has continued to make excellent progress following its relaunch last year and is now the clear number two in the wrapped bread market with a market share of over 25%. Further activity and innovation is planned on Hovis during the remainder of 2009. Quorn, our market-leading meat free brand, is also undergoing a brand relaunch with new advertising, innovation and packaging. “Synergy delivery remains on track with the consolidation of back office operations into the new group shared service centre at Manchester progressing well.”