Greencore's three executive directors were awarded a performance-related bonus of £212,000 between them last year, having received no bonus payment in 1997.

The company delivered a 17 per cent increase in pre-tax profits to £58.2 million in the year ended September 25th, 1998, having reported a 9 per cent drop in profits the previous year.

According to the annual report, the chief executive, Mr David Dilger, Mr Kevin O'Sullivan, the chief financial officer, and the chief administrative officer, Mr Ben Power, received remuneration of £893,000 between them in 1998, an increase of 41 per cent on the previous year.

The basic salary shared by the three men rose to £563,000 from £512,000 a year earlier, while they received ordinary fees of £51,000, up from £48,000. Other benefits totalled £67,000, down from £72,000 in 1997.

Greencore's seven non-executive directors, including the chairman, Mr Bernie Cahill, received £207,000 between them, up from £194,000 in 1997.