Like-for-like sales at Northern Foods increased 2.3 per cent during the third quarter ended January 1, reflecting good trading performance over the Christmas period, despite extreme weather conditions.

The company's bakery division performed well in the third quarter, posting like-for-like sales growth of 5 per cent, driven in part by biscuits and puddings.

"Our investment in automated production technology at Fox's Biscuits continued to plan, with full implementation expected by the end of the financial year," Northern Foods said. "In puddings, we saw a good performance across our Christmas product range, with exceptional demand for the Heston Blumenthal ‘Hidden Orange Christmas Pudding.' Our Matthew Walker brand also extended its range of Christmas puddings, which were well received by consumers."