Profits at Irish operations of Northern Foods came under pressure from rising raw material and labour costs in the year to March 31st. They were also hit by adverse currency translation due to the fall of the pound against sterling.

Irish figures are not detailed in full by Northern Foods but the Irish activities comprise the bulk of the group's European operations, where annual profits fell £2.9 million sterling (#4.8 million) to £13.7 million on sales down £7.2 million at £174.2 million.