In a trading update prior to the announcement of its interim results, Associated British Foods has said that results to the six months to March 5 were satisfactory and in line with its expectations for the year.

In the last financial year the company acquired international yeast, bakery ingredients and US herbs and spices business from Burns Philip, the premium canola oil brand, Capullo in Mexico and the Billington’s sugar business in the UK. The company noted that each of these businesses performed in line with expectations.

“In grocery Allied Bakeries in the UK benefited from growth in Kingsmill and much improved operation efficiencies in its frozen bakery operation, Speedibake,” said finance director John Bason.