Kit-Kat to Haagen Dazs firm Nestle today turned in a weaker underlying performance for 2010 as soaring commodity prices ate into profit margins.

Foods group Nestle said today it had achieved a strong first half of the year after overcoming rising cost pressures and tough trading conditions.

The company that promoted the low-carb Atkins diet and sparked a worldwide craze has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States, it emerged today.