Primark owner Associated British Foods reported profit for the year ahead of expectations and lifted its dividend payout as it flagged more normalized markets and supply chains.

Associated British Foods reported a 32% rise in full-year profit, with a robust performance from its grocery division and a solid outcome from its Primark clothing business partially offset by accelerating weakness in its sugar operations.

Associated British Foods Plc’s annual profit jumped and the company said momentum at its Primark clothing chain and food division is expected to continue this fiscal year, helped by easing input costs.

The FTSE 100 firm, whose brands include Dorset Cereals and Twinings Tea, revealed its pre-tax profits jumped by 43 per cent to £1.9billion in the year to 14 September.

Associated British Foods said it was well set-up for medium term growth, as it reported a 32% rise in full-year profit, driven by robust performances from its Primark clothing business and grocery division.