Associated British Foods said interim results had seen good performances from its Kingsmill bread, Ryvita crispbread and discount clothes store Primark and buoyed by new the businesses of Mazola oils and Ovaltine drinks.

The group - which also makes Twinings tea and Silver Spoon sugar - said its four units of grocery, primary food and agriculture, food ingredients and retail had all seen an increase in profit.

ABF said pre-tax profit to March 1 came in at £204m up from £189m last year on group turnover which rose 8% to £2.3bn.

Chief executive Peter Jackson said the figures provided a strong foundation for future growth.

New chairman Martin Adamson expected further significant operating profit growth in the second half but warned “it is unlikely to be as strong as in the first half”.

The group said £342m was spent on investment during the period to leave the group's cash pile at £836m.