Bolton-founded Warburtons has hit an operating profit of £43.2 million, up from £33.3 million the year before. The bakery giant credited a wider category range for a 4.2 per cent volume growth in 2025.

As it celebrates its 150th anniversary, the bakers championed its premium range of wrapped loaves, crumpets and sourdough bagels for this growth. Its has even entered the frozen convenience category for the first time, through a new licensing partnership with Food Brands Now.

Frozen toasties, made using its Thick Toastie loaf, were introduced in Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores earlier this month.

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A Warburtons spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have delivered an improved financial performance this year, while continuing to invest for the long term.”

It had put over £46 million into bakeries, wider facilities and distribution fleet to “help manage inflationary pressures, improve efficiency and maintain competitiveness”.

Warburtons also recently acquired former Rathbones bakery site from Myton Food Group. The deal included the land, buildings and all machinery.

With the growth of demand for gluten-free products, Warburtons redeveloped its Newburn site, which has been the production site of the Warburtons Gluten Free range since the beginning of 2011. The bakery is expected to be fully operational in autumn this year.