Ovaltine, Kingsmill and Ryvita helped drive up sales and profit at Associated British Foods in its interim period.
Ryvita enjoyed strong growth in crispbreads, while ABF said Ovaltine, which was acquired in November, and Twinings improved underlying results and were expected to yield future benefits.
ABF reported excellent operational efficiency and high yields for British Sugar UK and said the ethnic food business of Westmill was boosted by growth in noodles and rice.
Progress on its new Westmill factory in Manchester is on target, with microwaveable rice already in production and noodles coming on line in May. The factory is due for completion in early September.
Further plans for G Costa, maker of the Blue Dragon brand, which ABF bought in December, have not been revealed.
The company posted pre-tax profit up 9% to £223m in the 24 weeks to February 28 on group sales up 5% to £2.38bn.