Other statutory and regulatory information
Principal activity
The principal activity of Northern Foods remains unchanged as one of the UK’s leading food producers, manufacturing a mix of own label and branded products for retailers. Reporting under three divisions; Chilled, Frozen and Bakery, the Group operates in five businesses primarily producing chilled Ready Meals, chilled Sandwiches & Salads, Biscuits, Puddings, Pizza, Pastry, Meat and Meat-free Grills.
Dividends
An interim dividend of 1.55 pence per share was paid to shareholders on 30 January 2009 and the directors recommend a final dividend of 2.95 pence per share, subject to shareholders’ approval, which will be paid on 28 August 2009 to shareholders on the register on 31 July 2009. The total dividend in respect of the year amounts to 4.50 pence per share (2007/08: 4.50p). In accordance with IFRS the final dividend has not been accrued in the results to 28 March 2009.