UK food group sales boosted by sunny weather

Northern Foods in the UK today said strong demand for salads, sandwiches and meat grills had lifted sales as Brits fired up the barbecue in the summer sun.

Like-for-like sales rose 5.5% in the three months to June 30 at the firm, which also makes Goodfella’s pizza and Fox’s biscuits.

Northern’s new value ranges for discounters such as Poundland also drove sales growth, with volumes up more than 4% in the first quarter.

Shares rose 8% as chief executive Stefan Barden said the firm had made a “good start” to the year.