CONFECTIONERY giant Cadbury reported higher sales in Britain and Ireland as consumers kept up a recession-beating appetite for chocolate.

But the firm saw a sharp slowdown in sales across its global business in the first quarter – rising by just 2% compared with 7% in 2008 – as revenues plunged in Europe and North America.

Sales in the Britain and Ireland division rose by 10% as a strong Easter performance helped it to increase UK market share. Sales of Easter eggs and Cadbury Creme Eggs were up 20% over the period.

Mainland Europe and North America saw revenues fall by 8% and 6% respectively in the face of lower consumer demand.

Cadbury said it still expected revenue growth for the full year to be at the lower end of its targeted 4% to 6% range.