Mr Kipling maker Premier foods (LSE:PFD) reported slower sales growth for the past quarter, but its Sweet Treats division outperformed.
The maker of Oxo cubes, Ambrosia creamed rice and Angel Delight pudding recorded growth of 14% through what was its third quarter, with grocery sales up 11.9% and sweetmeats up 21.3%.
This compared to group revenues up 19.2% in the half-year to end-September, where grocery grew 24% and Sweet Treats 5.4%.
Branded Sweet Treats returned to growth in the third quarter, Premier said, with sales up 17.1% on the back of significantly higher sales of Cadbury cake compared to last year, in large part from growth of Cadbury Mini Rolls and cake bars and a softer comparative due to unscheduled maintenance of a plant line last year.
Almost 190 million mince pies were sold, four million more mince pies than last year, including the newly launched Mr Kipling 'Best Ever' Signature mince pies.
Premier is "well on track" to deliver on profit expectations for this year, said chief executive Alex Whitehouse, who also highlighted strong market share gains of over 120 basis points and sales in new categories more than doubling, including Ambrosia porridge pots and Mr Kipling and Angel Delight ice-cream "standout performers".
The Spice Tailor brand sales also grew strongly, while October's acquisition of the FUEL10K breakfast brand was integrating as hoped.
"The lower promotional price points we introduced in the third quarter have positively impacted performance while also helping consumer budgets go further. These lower prices will be extended to additional products such as Loyd Grossman cooking sauces and Mr Kipling Bakewell slices in quarter four," he said.