Bakery rise for RGFC

The Real Good Food Company, parent firm of Renshawnapier, announced "significantly improved operating performance" within its bakery and bakery ingredients divisions. However, total group sales were down by 1% to £215.6m for the year ended 31 December 2009. The firm’s bakery arm, Hayden’s, saw an overall sales increase of 15%, with double-digit growth achieved for all major customers including Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Costa Coffee.

Northern strength

Bakery and sandwiches were among the top three performing categories for Northern Foods, which announced group like-for-like sales 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.

Chocolate enticement

Waitrose has launched Belgian chocolate chunk hot cross buns, made by Nicholas & Harris, as an alternative for children who do not like the dried fruit found in traditional products. The retailer expected to sell around nine million hot cross buns over the Easter period.

PepsiCo’s health drive

PepsiCo UK has announced a 10-year pledge to focus its future profit and growth on the sale of healthier products. Its first health report details its commitments, which include ’reshaping’ its savoury snack and soft drink categories, with 50% of its savoury snacks to be baked or include positive nutrition by 2015. The company also plans to make 65% of its carbonated soft drink can and bottle sales ’no sugar’ by 2015.

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