BAKERY and ingredients firm the Real Good Food Company said it expects to beat current market forecasts for underlying pre-tax profits in 2009 by 25% following strong performances across all its business units.

The Liverpool-based group said mince pie sales reached record levels with more than 1.5m pies produced for the festive period – up 64% on 2008.

The company’s Renshaw Napier baking ingredients and sugar business is managed from Renshaw’s base in Crown Street, Toxteth.

In a trading update yesterday, the Whitworths sugar owner said 2009 also saw retail sales of sugar hit record levels. It said the year saw a resurgence in home baking at home and abroad, boosting sales.

Its bakery division, Hayden’s, saw “significant growth” in sales to major customers Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Costa Coffee. Overall sales increased by 15%.

Executive chairman Pieter Totté said: “I am delighted by the progress we have made over the past year in developing new sales, expanding our product ranges and broadening our customer base.

“After a strong start to the current year, it gives me confidence that we are well-placed to build on this progress.”