Strong sales growth is continuing to be achieved by Cadbury Ireland leading to further gains in market share, driven by strong growth of Cadbury's Dairy Milk megabrand, writes Sebastian Taylor, in London.

Volume sales of Cadbury Schweppes confectionery brands in Ireland increased by 5 per cent in the six months to the end of June lifting their share of the Irish confectionery market by 0.2 percentage points to 52.6 per cent.

Figures detailing the sales performance in Ireland were disclosed by Cadbury Schweppes directors in an update accompanying the group's interim results.

Underlying profit before tax rose 15 per cent to £308 million (€391.08 million) on sales from continuing operations up 6 per cent at nearly £2.0 billion.