Premier Foods logo Key Points Premier Foods delivered a strong Q3 (13 weeks to Dec 27) with branded revenue up 5.2%, total group sales up 4.1%, a 22bp gain in UK market share, and has raised full‑year trading profit guidance to the upper end of market expectations after a "really strong Christmas." Management says growth is driven by its branded‑growth model—higher marketing investment, innovation and premiumisation—highlighted by moves such as Paxo advertising after ~20 years and a 19% rise in Mr. Ki ...

Core Insights - Premier Foods is investing £36 million ($47.3 million) in a UK factory to bring the production of Loyd Grossman cooking sauces in-house, which was previously outsourced [1] - The investment will be phased through 2029 and aims to enhance supply chain capabilities, efficiency, and productivity [2] - The brand licensing agreement with Sir Loyd Grossman has been extended until 2034, reflecting a 4.7% average annual growth rate for the cooking sauce brand over the last five years [3] Investment Details - The investment at the Worksop plant is the largest by Premier Foods in 15 years and will enable the company to more than double its annual cooking sauces production capacity [4][5] - The Worksop facility currently employs around 500 staff and also produces other brands such as Sharwood's and Homepride [4] - The investment includes the installation of a high-speed manufacturing line, upgrades to storage facilities, and the addition of a new link road to the plant [7] Financial Performance - Premier Foods reported a 0.7% increase in group revenue to £502.5 million for the period ending 27 September, with branded revenue rising by 1.9% to £453 million [6][7] - Trading profit increased by 0.4% to £70.5 million, while statutory profit after tax rose by 18.5% to £46.8 million [7] - Basic earnings per share increased by 17.4% to 5.4 pence [7] Strategic Context - The investment is a response to growing consumer demand and aims to improve operational efficiency [6] - In addition to the Worksop investment, Premier Foods announced a £19 million investment at its Lifton site to boost Ambrosia dessert production [5] - The company also made a recent acquisition of Merchant Gourmet for £48 million, expanding its portfolio of ready-to-eat products [6]

Financial Performance - Premier Foods plc reported a first-half profit before tax of 63.4 million pounds, an increase from 53.5 million pounds in the prior year [1] - Earnings per share rose to 5.3 pence from 4.5 pence [1] - Adjusted profit before tax increased to 62.4 million pounds from 61.0 million pounds, with adjusted earnings per share at 5.4 pence compared to 5.3 pence [1] Revenue Growth - For the 26 weeks ended 27 September 2025, revenue was 502.1 million pounds, slightly up from 501.0 million pounds [2] - Headline revenue increased to 502.5 million pounds from 498.7 million pounds [2] - Headline branded revenue reached 453.0 million pounds compared to 444.7 million pounds [2] Future Outlook - Premier Foods expects branded revenue growth to accelerate in the second half of the year [3] - The Group is on track to meet trading profit expectations for the full year, with adjusted profit before tax anticipated to be slightly higher [3] - In the medium term, the Group aims to continue strong progress across all five pillars of its growth strategy [3]