Premier Foods delivered a strong third quarter, with branded revenue rising 5.2% as Christmas trading exceeded expectations. The UK food manufacturer now expects full-year trading profit to land at the upper end of market forecasts. Group revenue increased 4.1% year-over-year, with both grocery and sweet treats divisions gaining market share.

CEO Alex Whitehouse credited a successful Christmas and the company’s new product innovation program, which drove a 29% sales increase from new categories. Premium offerings like Ambrosia Deluxe and Mr Kipling Signature mince pies outperformed as consumers traded up. The company’s international business also resumed double-digit growth, up 10%.

Recent acquisitions including The Spice Tailor, FUEL10K, and Merchant Gourmet all delivered double-digit revenue growth, with Merchant Gourmet up 18% in its first full quarter under Premier Foods. The results reinforce the company's strategy of leveraging its brand portfolio—which includes Mr Kipling, Bisto, and OXO—through innovation and strategic deals to drive performance across economic cycles.