Dairy Crest will launch a TV ad campaign to promote Clover butter as the brand aims to recover from a contamination crisis last year.

Two million Clover tubs were recalled last May when mould was found in the products. The company blamed a fault in its production process for the contamination. While Clover has been on sale, it has not been promoted since the outbreak.

Operational issues were now resolved, said chief executive Mark Allen, and a "sizeable" budget has been allocated to promote the brand. Sales of unpromoted Clover had "held up", he added.

Meanwhile, Allen stressed that a strong performance from branded products had been key to improved third-quarter sales figures. Sales in the foods division were up by 17%, with Cathedral City recording double-digit growth to £150m value and taking the top spot among cheeses in The Grocer's Top Products Survey 2007.

The company also said it is to roll out its Milk&more online service, which delivers dairy products to households.

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