Premier Foods Sales Up 2% in Q2

Sales of Hovis branded bread for the third quarter were up 22% on the same period last year. The company saw a significant decrease in retailer brand bread volumes as they elected to exit certain unprofitable contracts during the period.

15 Oct 2009 --- Premier Foods has reported that group sales, excluding bulk flour, were 2% ahead in the third quarter and 5% ahead in the first nine months, compared to the prior year. Total Group sales increased 1% in the period and 3% in the first nine months.  Our brands continue to perform well; across the Group their year-on-year sales growth rate increased from 5% in the first half to 6% in the third quarter as branded volume growth accelerated. Retailer brand sales were down 8% in the quarter, primarily due to lower sales of bread and bulk flour. Overall sales volume and mix for the Group was flat with the increased branded volumes being offset by the lower volumes of retailer brand products.  In line with our stated strategy of focusing on branded growth, the branded mix of Group sales increased by 2 ppts to 63%. 

Sales for the Grocery division for the third quarter were 2% ahead of the same period last year and 5% ahead in the first nine months.  In the UK, branded sales were up 4% against the third quarter last year primarily due to increased volumes as we continued to support our brands.  However, following the exit from a number of low margin retailer brand contracts in the quarter, overall volumes for the UK were flat year-on-year. The higher level of sales growth due to price rises seen in the first half of the year has moderated in the third quarter as we cycled the price rises achieved in 2008.

As previously reported, the grocery market in Ireland has been difficult this year. Sales for their business in Ireland in the third quarter were 14% below the same period in 2008.

Sales of Hovis branded bread for the third quarter were up 22% on the same period last year.  The company saw a significant decrease in retailer brand bread volumes as they elected to exit certain unprofitable contracts during the period. As a result, total sales in their baking business increased by 3% in the third quarter.  The branded mix of our baking business showed a significant improvement with 72% of sales now branded, up from 63% in the same period last year. 

Bulk flour sales declined due to lower wheat and wheat feed prices. Consequently total sales for the division for the third quarter were 2% lower than the same period last year.

Hovis has maintained its strong market share performance through the third quarter, reaching 26.2% for the 12 weeks ending 5 September 2009, compared to 22.8% for the equivalent period last year.  Investment in the Hovis brand continues with the recent introduction of a new Farmhouse soft white loaf.

In the Chilled business, sales for the third quarter increased by 1% on the comparable period in 2008, with sales for the first nine months up by 5%.  Sales growth of Quorn improved in the period, although profitability was held back by the previously reported additional manufacturing costs, which are being addressed.  Our retailer brand chilled ready meal and cake business is trading in line with our expectations.

Robert Schofield, Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased by the progress that the business has made in a tough trading environment. Our brands continue to perform well; across the Group their growth rate has increased from 5% in the first half to 6% in the third quarter as volume growth has accelerated.  We have also exited some low margin retailer brand contracts, which, whilst reducing overall sales growth, has improved our branded mix.

“Additionally, our brands have continued to take market share through a combination of innovation and advertising, supported by strong promotional campaigns. Hovis has consolidated its market share gains and the division is now benefiting from the branded sales growth achieved over the last year.

“I am pleased to welcome Jim Smart to Premier Foods as Group Finance Director. His wide experience will prove invaluable to the Group.

“As we enter the important Christmas trading period, in what is a competitive environment, we remain confident of achieving adjusted profit before tax for the full year within the range of market expectations.”