Aga cooks up improved profit

Iconic oven maker Aga Foodservice said heavy promotional work and new product lines helped it overcome a “mixed” 2006 to post a pre-tax profits rise of 8% to £46m (€67m).

The Birmingham-based company, which makes the renowned traditional cast iron Aga stoves, said an intensive marketing campaign and the introduction of a new range of products, including new fuel types and designs, helped drive the earnings growth.

Strong performance in its Foodservice operation, which saw revenue grow 13% to £194.8m (€284m) across the UK and Europe, also helped offset a decline at its 54-strong ceramic tiles chain Fired Earth in what was a second consecutive challenging year for the division.

Aga has outlets in Dublin, Cork and seven in the North, as well as about 100 across the UK.