Bakkavor has delivered sales ahead of market expectations, despite facing challenges late last year with prolonged industrial action by its factory workers.

In the 52 weeks ending 28 December, the food manufacturer’s like-for-like total sales were up by 5.1% to £2.3bn, while its reported sales grew 4% to £2.29bn.

In the UK, Bakkavor’s sales rose by 5.3% to £1.94bn, citing improved volumes and price recovery for driving growth.

CEO Mike Edwards said: “We delivered a strong performance in 2024 as we continue rebuilding our margin and strengthening our balance sheet.

“Throughout the year we have delivered excellent quality, service and innovation for our customers, culminating in exceptional delivery of our Christmas peak.

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He added: “Looking forward, we expect to deliver further progress as we continue on our trajectory to our 6% margin target.”

The savoury dips supplier’s results come despite challenges it faced last year. In December, there were fears of Christmas party food shortages following nearly 800 workers at its Bakkavor Spalding plant entering their third month of strikes.

In today’s trading update, the company also noted the impact of the UK Autumn budget, expected to hit Bakkavor with an extra £15m in costs due to National Insurance changes.