Hilton Food Group has reported a 12% rise in pre-tax profits as a result of higher sales volumes and a reduction in finance charges.

The group, which supplies meat lines to Tesco, this week said pre-tax profits rose to £11.5m in the 28 weeks to 18 July. Turnover rose 5% to £449.9m.

Trading across Europe had been "encouraging" despite the downturn, said CEO Robert Watson. Although feed and meat prices were expected to rise in the second half, Hilton was confident its business model would leave it ­well-placed, he added.

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