Cadbury optimistic after profits rise

Confectionery group Cadbury Schweppes today benefited from a surge in demand for diet soft drinks in the United States as it posted results in line with expectations.

The company, which makes Dairy Milk and Dr Pepper, reported a 2% rise in first half underlying profits to £371m (€557m) in the 24 weeks to June 13 and said it remained “cautiously optimistic” about the full year.