Booming sales of custard helped boost dairy co-op Milk Link’s operating profits by 73% to £18.5m in the year to April 2.
The company said custard production volumes rose 70% and were up 100% at Christmas. Milk Link produces custard in a joint venture with Arla Foods UK at Staplemead Dairy Products.
Long-life milk sales were also robust, with volumes up 10%. The company produces UHT milk under the Moo brand, which has won further listings in Sainsbury and which it plans to export to retailers abroad.
Overall turnover for Milk Link, which owns 75% of The Cheese Company with Glanbia, rose 66% to £651m.
Barry Nicholls, chief executive of Milk Link, said: “The business has achieved strong financial growth, structural development and business integration.”