Profit from continuing operations before taxation was up 21.2 per cent to £40m.
When the costs for restructuring the company and disposing of unwanted lines are factored in the company registered a £22.5m loss for the period, compared to £5m in the previous financial year.
The company reported that it had successfully refocused its business on market segments it considered as core growth areas, while its disposals programme had been completed ahead of scheduled time and budget.
The company made £211.2m in gross proceeds from the sell off of unwanted units.
The company is focusing on restructuring its chilled foods division, with divisional operating margin increasing to 5 per cent, compared to 2.9 per cent achieved in the previous financial period.
Chief executive officer Stefan Barden said management will move ahead with further restructuring over the rest of this year.
"We expect to see continued opportunities for revenue growth and improved performance, particularly in the attractive chilled markets," he said. "However, challenges remain, especially in biscuits, where we are experiencing a sustained increase in input costs."
