Nightclub operator Luminar today posted a 56% profits rise despite the smoking ban being introduced in July.

Takeover target Scottish & Newcastle today said it was considering how to oust suitor Carlsberg from its Baltics joint venture.

Kitchen specialist Aga Foodservice is to become a slimmer business after agreeing a £260 million sale of its commercial equipment arm.

Tango and Robinsons squash maker Britvic believes its focus on healthier drinks has helped it outperform the market.

Premier Inn-owner Whitbread has posted a 13% hike in half-year profits following a strong performance from its drinks outlet, Costa Coffee.

Brewer SABMiller today said half-year lager sales volumes rose by 12% across the UK and Europe.

A surge in UK chocolate sales helped Cadbury Schweppes offset disappointment at its failure to sell its American drinks arm. Cadbury reported its confectionery business enjoyed a 'particularly strong' third quarter.

Bakery chain Greggs today said favourable weather conditions helped drive an increase in sales over the last three months.

Sour not sweet is the verdict on Tate & Lyle as analysts got their red pens at the ready ahead of likely earnings downgrades. Shares tumbled 24% to 427p.

Robert Wiseman Dairies says Office of Fair Trading (OFT) price-fixing investigators first contacted it three years ago.