AB Foods says trading in line, helped by Primark

LONDON, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Associated British Foods Plc (ABF.L: Quote, Profile, Research), the owner of Primark discount fashion stores and the maker of Kingsmill bread, said on Monday profits were in line with expectations helped by a good performance from Primark. The London-based foods and retail group, 55 percent owned by the family of its Chief Executive George Weston, said its discount retailer Primark saw like-for-like sales rise one percent in its second-half, while grocery profits would be lower than last year due to losses at breadmaker Allied Bakeries.

The company, which also refines Silver Spoon sugar and markets Ovaltine beverages, Twinning tea and Ryvita crispbread was giving a trading statement towards the end of its financial year to Sept. 15 and ahead of annual results on Nov 6.

((Reporting by David Jones; Reuters Messaging: david.jones.reuters.com@reuters.net; +44 20 7542 7972)) Keywords: AB FOODS TRADING/

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