RHM reported a "significant improvement" in its cakes division in its interim results this week.

Cakes’ turnover was up 10.0% to £118.8m. Sales of its Mr Kipling brand rose over 16% year on year.

In the bread division turnover was up 2.6% to £395.8m, due to price increases and distribution wins, it said. But operating profit declined by £0.3m to £34.4m.

RHM said underlying group operating profit was up 1.1% to £71.1m, on turnover which rose 2.4% to £757.2m in the 26 weeks ended 28 October.

Higher energy and wheat prices cost it £10m in the period.