== Costa sales up ==
Costa’s parent company, Whitbread has announced its results for the 50 weeks to 12 February 2009. The coffee chain’s like-for-like sales are up 2% on the previous year, with total sales up 22.1%. In this time, Costa also increased its total number of outlets in the UK by 204, and opened 151 shops internationally.
== Frozen profits fall ==
Canada Bread’s frozen bakery division has seen profits fall almost 50%, despite an overall increase in sales for the year. Its frozen bakery division, including Maple Leaf Bakery UK, which owns the New York Bakery Co brand, saw adjusted operating earnings fall by 48.6% to $21.1m, from $41.1m in 2007.
== Top crisp flavour ==
Ready salted crisps are no longer the nation’s favourite flavour, as cheese & onion has now taken the top spot. The market for cheese & onion crisps is worth £256m, according to Mintel research, with sales having increased an impressive 15% in the last two years.
US bread prices rise
According to Reuters (Chicago) news agency, bread prices in the US have risen by nearly 10% since last year. This is despite the cost of the wheat used having fallen 60% from a record high a year ago. Prices have reportedly levelled off in the last few months, but are not likely to fall significantly for the rest of this year.
== Case for investment ==
South Wales baking cases manufacturer Chelver plans to invest £150,000 in a bespoke cutting and forming machine, only a month after it was formed from a management buy-out. The new machine will enable it to produce higher quantities of baking cases from the current 600-strong range.
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