Confectionery group Cadbury Schweppes today said it expected a better year for its European soft drinks division as it posted a 1% rise in profits to £933m (€1.3bn).

Cadbury Schweppes has signalled it still faces sticky trading conditions after confectionery sales suffered in the Europe-wide heatwave.

Chocolate-to-soft drinks group Cadbury Schweppes today completed a £2.7bn (€3.9bn) deal to create what it believes will be the world’s largest confectionery business.