FIF.L Regulatory News (FIF)

18 Jan 2005 07:00

Finsbury Food Group PLC18 January 2005 Date: 18 January 2005On behalf of: Finsbury Food Group Plc ("Finsbury Food")Embargoed until: 0700hrs Finsbury Food Group PlcPre-Close Statement Finsbury Food Group plc, one of the UK's leading manufacturers and distributorsof speciality cakes, muffins and breads, will be announcing its interim resultsfor the six months ended 31 December 2004, on Tuesday, 22 March, 2005. Prior toentering its close period, the Company is providing an update on current tradingfollowing its AGM statement on 1 December 2004. Memory Lane We are pleased to announce a successful completion to our 2004 Christmasprogramme. This year we focussed on producing a group of higher margin coreproducts, more efficiently and more profitably. The conclusion was improvedconsistency in the operations, with the plan being delivered on time and tocost. Nicholas & Harris Our speciality breads business is performing ahead of our expectations. Like forlike sales to key customers are trending well up year on year. Nestle Programme Our Nestle programme is progressing as expected. We have a strategy of targetedproduct development and we look forward to introducing a range of exciting newproducts in 2005. Outlook The outlook for 2005 is positive even though the market place remainscompetitive. Operationally, we are more efficient and productive, while wecontinue to enjoy strong relationships with our blue chip retail customer base.We are discussing growth agendas with all our major customers and we believethat we have the expertise to grow the business successfully. We look forwardto the coming year with confidence, and expect to exceed the current marketforecasts for the full year. - ends - Enquiries to: Redleaf Communications Tel: 020 7955 1410Emma Kane/James White Mob: 07876 338339 Finsbury Food Group plcDave Brooks (Chief Executive) Tel: 07831 787382John Lomer (Finance Director) Tel: 07778 889977 Durlacher Ltd Tel: 020 7459 3600Matthew Robinson Notes to Editors: • Further information can be found on the Group's website at: www.finsburyfoods.co.uk • Finsbury Food was formed in the first quarter of 2002 by the transformation of the Megalomedia plc cash shell. • In August 2002 the Group acquired Memory Lane Cakes Ltd. • In February 2003 Nicholas & Harris Ltd was purchased. • In September 2003 the Group signed a five-year contract for the exclusive rights for the use of the Nestle confectionery brands in the UK ambient cake market. • In April 2004 Nicholas & Harris Ltd signed a contract for the use of the Village Bakery organic speciality bread brand. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange