Dairy Milk sales help Cadbury defy the recession

Cadbury has bucked the economic gloom with a 30% rise in annual profits thanks to strong growth in its main brands, as recession-hit consumers turned to chocolate treats.

In a record year for the company, sales of its biggest brands, Dairy Milk chocolate and Trident gum, grew by 11% while Halls cough drops posted a 9% rise in sales.

The confectionery giant also reported higher profit margins after putting up its prices to offset rising cocoa costs.

"Chocolate and chewing gum are performing well as consumers seek to comfort themselves with brands they are familiar with," said Todd Stitzer, the chief executive.

Link to the full article: Guardian