Shares digital

Goodfella's pizza maker Northern Foods said its trading performance has continued to meet expectations.

The company said full-year underlying revenue grew 3.2%, with prices up 2.4% and volumes up 0.8%. Shares were up 6.8p, or 8% in early trade to 94 pence.

Northern Foods added that fourth quarter underlying revenue increased by 3.9% on flat volumes, with the group saying it continued to fully recover commodity cost increases, as it has done throughout the year.

Chief executive Stefan Barden said he expects sales to continue to move ahead in the coming year though he sees volumes being 'flattish' as the group continues to exit low margin and low volume business.