Pan-European chilled food group Uniq has reported that its cumulative sales for the five-month period ending August 2002 are now ahead of last year.
The strengthening of the euro relative to sterling has complemented the improvement in sales.
Uniq reports that trading in northern Europe is ahead of last year. In southern Europe, the recovery of Uniq’s Marie St-Hubert business continues, and sales in the chilled division have encouraged sales figures to move ahead of prior year levels. In the UK, the Uniq Prepared Foods division, which includes the St Ivel desserts business, has continued to perform strongly.
The group report a continuing improvement in operating profit, due to increased sales and cost efficiency initiatives.
Uniq have successfully completed the sale of St Ivel yoghurts to Danone, and now hope to follow with the sale of St Ivel spreads, which includes the Utterly Butterly brand.

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataDairy Crest is reported to be in the final stages of a deal to buy St Ivel spreads, worth up to £75m (US$116.8). The deal looks set to go ahead once a final price has been agreed.