1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991

1999

Clothing retail continued its expansion with further organic growth and 10 stores purchased from the Co-op. SPI Polyols, which supplies a range of alternative sweeteners compliments the group's other activities.

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1998

Despite the difficult market conditions, ABF's underlying sales growth was 6% and the group continued to invest in the latest technologies, spending some £226m on capital equipment.

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1997

The group's sale of its retail food interests in Ireland sold to Tesco realised £639m in cash, with a profit on sale of £420m. The group's clothing retail operations, Penneys in Ireland and Primark in the UK grew further, bolstered by the acquisition of the One-Up stores.

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1995

The group acquired a specialty oils business and cheese analogs business in the US. These businesses began trading through two new corporate identities, Abitec Corporation and AC Humko Corporation.

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1994

Completion of the modernisation and expansion of British Sugar's Wissington site was completed at a cost of some £50m.

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1993

Turnover exceeded £4bn for the first time.

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1991

The group's growth within its core business was boosted with the acquisition of British Sugar for £880m.