Finsbury Foods’ sales for the 20 weeks to mid-November were up 11% on the same 2007/08 period, with sales in its cake division up 3% year-on-year.

"Cake growth has slowed, both within the whole market and within Finsbury," said a company spokesperson. "There has been a reduction in demand for high-value celebration cakes, and a general market decline in own-label healthier cakes; however, the WeightWatchers brand hasn’t seen any decline."

Year-on-year sales in its free-from and bread divisions rose 26% and 18% respectively.

Chief executive Martin Light-body said Finsbury would rely on its "core competencies" to deliver high-quality products in the current trading environment.