United Natural Foods Inc has raised its full-year sales forecast after booking an increase in its revenue and earnings for the first nine months of the year.

In the year-to-date, UNFI has grown sales to US$4.4bn, up from $3.9bn in the comparable period of the previous year. Gains were driven by continued demand for its natural and organic products and services, the group said.

The company also reported higher earnings in the first nine months of the year. Operating profit rose to $129.4m, up from $112.2m last year. Net income increased to $77.8m in the period, up from $66.2m.

On the back of the improved performance, UNFI raised its full-year outlook. The group said it now expects sales to fall in a range of $6.03-6.06bn, which represents a 15.2-15.7% increase in total net sales over 2012. Previously the company’s guidance range was $5.88-$5.98bn. UNFI also narrowed its EPS guidance to $2.12-2.14,