Premier Foods has reported a strong third quarter over the key Christmas trading period, with branded revenue up 5.2 per cent and the group now expecting to deliver full-year trading profit at the upper end of market expectations.
In its Q3 update for the 13 weeks ended 27 December 2025, Premier Foods said total revenue increased 4.1 per cent (on a constant currency basis), supported by growth across both its Grocery and Sweet Treats divisions and accelerating momentum from the previous quarter.
Chief executive Alex Whitehouse said the business had a “really good Christmas”, with shoppers continuing to choose Premier Foods brands for “quality and value”.
“These results demonstrated strong delivery against all pillars of our strategy,” he said, highlighting overseas growth and further progress across the group’s product innovation programme.
Grocery and Sweet Treats both gain market share
Premier Foods said, citing IRI data, that it achieved market share gains in both Grocery and Sweet Treats during the quarter (IRI, 13w/e 27.12.25).
Grocery branded revenue rose 5.8 per cent, driven by seasonal and new product launches including OXO ready-to-use stock and Bone Broth, Paxo Stuffing Wreaths – supported by its first advertising campaign in more than 40 years – and Angel Delight Bubble Jelly, inspired by bubble tea trends.
The division’s premium Ambrosia Deluxe range “significantly outperformed” its category, as consumers traded up over the festive period, the business added.
Sweet Treats branded revenue increased 3.1 per cent, with growth supported by innovation including Mr Kipling Cake Bites, Breakfast Bakes, and Cadbury Caramel Mini Rolls. The premium Mr Kipling Signature mince pies range grew 19 per cent, driven by increased distribution as shoppers treated themselves at Christmas.
New Categories up 29 per cent
Premier also pointed to ongoing momentum in expansion areas, with revenue from New Categories up 29 per cent, led by FUEL10K yogurt and granola.
The group said acquired brands The Spice Tailor, FUEL10K and Merchant Gourmet all delivered double-digit revenue growth in the quarter. Merchant Gourmet delivered an 18 per cent revenue uplift in its first full quarter under Premier Foods’ ownership, on a pro forma basis.
Non-branded performance was mixed: non-branded Grocery revenue fell 7.5 per cent, reflecting the planned exit from some lower-margin stuffing and custard contracts, while non-branded Sweet Treats returned to growth (+2.0 per cent) following contract wins on tarts and seasonal ranges.
International returns to double-digit growth
The group’s International division resumed double-digit growth, with international revenue up 10 per cent, led by Australasia where cake sales strengthened and market share gains continued. The company also highlighted a strong quarter in the US, helped by increased distribution of Mr Kipling ranges.
Looking ahead, Premier Foods said it has secured its first European listings for FUEL10K Granola, effective from Q4.
Full-year profit guidance raised
Following the strong Q3 performance, Premier Foods said trading profit for FY25/26 is now expected to be at the upper end of market expectations. The company noted the analyst forecast range for FY25/26 trading profit is £193.0m to £198.2m (mean £195.3m), collated from eight analysts.
Premier Foods added that headline figures in the update exclude the effect of the prior-year Charnwood site closure.