Bakery and sandwiches are among the top three performing categories for Northern Foods, which announced group like-for-like sales were up 1% on last year.

In its interim statement for the 14 weeks to 3 April 2010, the firm said trading was strong within its Chilled division, with new sandwich business secured with Costa Coffee, due to commence during the second quarter of the new financial year. However underlying revenue for the fourth quarter stood at 2.1% growth compared to 6.3% for the full year. 

The firm announced that Bakery had “continued to see strong trading”, with underlying revenue for the full year up 3%, and for the fourth quarter up 4.1%.

“Our Fox’s Biscuits brand increased its market position following the Christmas trading period and moved up to number two in the UK, with a brand share of 10.7% (AC Nielsen Scantrack 52 w/e 20.02.10),” commented the firm.

Within its Frozen division, underlying revenue fell 9.3% for the year, due to the exit from “low margin business”.

The firm recently announced a major investment in its new Goodfella’s pizza range, with a brand re-launch, including new packaging and an extensive TV campaign, set to commence this month.