Irish food company Greencore said today the integration of Britain's Hazlewood is progressing well but warned its meat and bakery divisions have been hit by foot-and-mouth and the harsh winter.
In its final commentary before entering a closed period prior to publishing its results Greencore said Hazelwood's ready meals business continues to under-perform in Britain.
Sales of meat pies and sausages have also been hit by foot-and-mouth issues.
The company said its other businesses are trading in line with expectations with the exception of its baking business where results for the first-half will be significantly below last year's.
First-half results will also be affected by the late start to the key spring selling season in the agribusiness sector because of adverse weather conditions, the company added.
Greencore said it expects cost savings of over £7 million sterling to be achieved by the end of the second full year following the Hazlewood acquisition.