Mexico-based bakery giant Grupo Bimbo has reported an increase in half-year sales and earnings.

Net income jumped 29.3% to MEX2.6bn (US$161m) in the first half to 30 June. Operating income increased to MEX6.6bn compared with MEX4.8bn a year earlier.

Net sales grew from MEX86.5bn to MEX102.9bn and Bimbo said this reflected the Canada Bread acquisition, organic growth in Mexico and forex benefit.

At the end of last month, Bimbo struck an agreement to buy parts of Spanish bakery company Panrico.