HJ Heinz the giant food company, with interests in Ireland, has reported a 3.5 per cent rise in third-quarter profits - before exceptional items - compared to the previous year.

The results, which were slightly ahead of expectations, were helped by acquisitions which helped drive sales growth.

Heinz said the strong showing kept it on track to meet its goal of earnings per share growth of 6 to 7 per cent for the full year. Heinz said it earned $227.2 million (#234.5 million), in the third quarter, ended January 26th, compared with $219.5 million in the same period last year.