(Alliance News) - Cake Box Holdings PLC on Tuesday said it expected a challenging trading environment in the new financial year, but it is optimistic about demand for its cakes as it posted profit growth.

The Enfield, London-based eggless cakes maker said pretax profit rose 15% to GBP6.3 million in the financial year that ended March 31 from GBP5.4 million a year prior.

Revenue climbed 8.7% to GBP37.8 million from GBP34.8 million.

Chair Martin Blair said: "Our multifaceted approach, blending our high street presence with digital marketing strategies and an enhanced online sales platform, not only boosted customer demand and improved customer retention, but also amplified engagement levels significantly."

The company recommended a final dividend of 6.10 pence per share, up 11% from 5.50p the year before. That increased its total dividend also by 11% to 9.0p from 8.13p.

Chief Executive Officer Sukh Chamdal hailed the firm's customer relationship management system, which it launched in May last year.

"The launch of our new CRM system, e-commerce website, and brand refresh, along with the success of our increased investment in marketing, has enhanced our brand awareness and customer experience, improving our presence and helping to drive up demand."

Noting that trading in financial 2025 so far has been in line with the company's own expectations, he said: "Our multifaceted approach, blending our high street presence with digital marketing strategies and an enhanced online sales platform, not only boosted customer demand and improved customer retention, but also amplified engagement levels significantly."

Cake Box said that whilst the trading environment for 2025 is expected to be challenging due to continuing uncertain macro-economic conditions, it hopes to drive demand via the opening of new stores, investment in marketing, a new website, and a brand refresh roll-out.

Cake Box shares were up 2.3% to 179.00p each early Tuesday afternoon in London.

By Tom Budszus, Alliance News slot editor

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