In its half year results for the 26 weeks ended 27th September 2025, UK producer Premier Foods reported a 1.9% increase in headline branded revenue.
Headline branded revenue for Q2 was up by 2.5%, and headline Sweet Treats branded revenue was up by 9.4% to reach £115.6 million as Premier Foods reported that “strong innovation” had driven growth.
Statutory profit before tax was up 18.5% to reach £63.4 million, while profit after tax was up 18.5% to hit £46.8 million.
Headline Grocery branded revenue was down by 0.5% in H1, but up 0.9% in Q2. Trading profit was up 0.4%, and underlying progress in H1 was up by around 7%, which it said was offset by recognition of a full year packaging levy in H1.
The Group expects branded revenue growth to build in the second half, as further new product development comes to market, accompanied by increased marketing investment. Premier Foods said it was “on track” to deliver on trading profit expectations for the full year.
Alex Whitehouse, chief executive officer at Premier Foods, commented: “We’ve continued to make strong progress across all our strategic pillars in the first half of the year. In quarter 2, our UK branded revenue stepped up, growing by 3.0%, led by another very strong Sweet Treats performance, of +7.4%, together with a strengthened UK Grocery performance. The Sweet Treats growth reflects the strength of our innovation programme, with notable performances from Mr Kipling Breakfast Bakes, Cadbury Caramel Mini Rolls and the recently launched Mr Kipling cake bites tubs.
“We are particularly pleased with the continuing success of our Mr Kipling birthday cake tarts, with over four million packs sold since launch, as more people take up this US trend. The Grocery portfolio also benefitted from new ranges like Bisto Peri-Peri gravy, Batchelors microwaveable Pasta ‘n’ Sauce and Nissin Demae Ramen, and while warmer weather held back growth in some categories in Q1, the sales trend improved through the second quarter.”
“Our acquired brands… continued their strong trajectory with both increasing UK revenue in double-digit terms.”
Whitehouse continued: “In New Categories, we increased revenue by 41% in the first half, launching FUEL10K yogurt and granola pots and delivered further growth from Ambrosia porridge and Cape Herb & Spice. Overseas, Australia, our biggest international market, grew in-market sales by 17% although retailers reduced stock buffer levels, temporarily reducing reported revenues. In the USA, we’ve had a promising initial response to our Mr Kipling Apple Pies, which were launched in the first retailer in quarter 2.
“Our acquired brands, The Spice Tailor and FUEL10K, continued their strong trajectory with both increasing UK revenue in double-digit terms and we acquired Merchant Gourmet, the premium, healthy, convenient meals brand, which we expect to achieve similar levels of growth as we apply our Branded Growth Model.”
“Looking forward to the remainder of the year, we expect branded revenue growth to build, supported by both a particularly exciting product innovation programme and increased H2 marketing investment across a broader range of digital communication platforms. In terms of capital investment, we expect to spend around £55 million this year which will deliver attractive returns.
“We’ll be driving benefits from the Merchant Gourmet acquisition and integration, and we continue to explore additional inorganic opportunities which fit our M&A criteria. With this continued strong strategic momentum, we remain on track to deliver on full year trading profit expectations.”
