Clover and Country Life maker Dairy Crest said today it was on track to meet results expectations despite a weaker market for its UK spreads.

A clutch of insurance stocks helped drive the London market higher today after an update from Friends Provident cheered the sector.

The UK’s largest regional dairy business looked set to be sold today after its Co-operative owner said it lacked the firepower to compete with bigger rivals.

UK food producer Dairy Crest set its sights on improving the profitability of its milk business today as it unveiled a 10% rise in first half profits.

Foods producer Dairy Crest produced a more confident outlook today after resolving the problems that drove down sales of its leading cheese brand.