The Hilton Food Directors have approved the payment of an interim dividend of 7.0p per share payable on 27 November 2020 to shareholders who are on the register at 30 October 2020. This interim dividend, amounting to £5.7m has not been recognised as a liability in these interim financial statements. It will be recognised in shareholders' equity in the 53 weeks to 3 January 2021.
Other financial highlights include:
●Higher demand due to increased consumption at home due to Covid-19
●Strong volume and revenue growth in Australia and UK alongside higher raw material prices
●Supply to customers resilient with all facilities remaining fully operational, although with increased Covid mitigation costs
●Operating profit up 19.6% to £31.5m and basic earnings per share up 15.4% to 25.9p
●Agreement with Delhaize for a new facility in Belgium due to open in October 2020
●Australia joint venture transition period concluded with purchase of assets relating to the joint venture
