Domino’s has recorded what it has described as a "strong H1 trading performance", as its like-for-like sales jumped by 4.9% year-on-year.

The FTSE 250 takeaway pizza retailer said this growth was driven by sales in its pizza and chick ‘n’ dip ranges, as well as an uplift from the World Cup.

In the six months to 28 June, the firm’s revenue increased by 6.7% to £353.6m, while its earnings rose by 3.6% to £66.2m.

Furthermore, its underlying pre-tax profit jumped by 0.9% to £44.1m, while its underlying basic earnings per share increased by 4.8% to 8.8 pence.

Across this period, Domino’s opened 11 stores, while also opening its 1,400th store. It has also maintained “industry-leading delivery times” at under 25 minutes.

The results have been supported by the firm’s strategy to focus on sustainable growth, with its objectives being underpinned by three pillars.

These include recruiting more customers, driving more orders per year and focusing on driving efficiency through the organisation.

CEO at Domino’s, Nicola Frampton, stated: "We have delivered a strong first half, with positive momentum across sales, orders, earnings and cash flow. Pizza remains at the heart of our business, with Italiano's reinforcing the strength of the category, while the early performance of CHICK 'N' DIP gives us confidence in our ability to grow chicken alongside our core offer.

"The progress we are seeing reflects the strength of our strategy. Our growth platforms - chicken, loyalty, aggregators and supply chain productivity - are gaining traction and support our confidence in delivering sustainable long-term growth."

In its outlook, the firm said positive trading had continued into July, supported by the World Cup. As previous announced, its major costs remained hedged for the current financial year, with some hedged into 2027.

As a result, the board remains confident in achieving its earnings expectations for the full year, which remain in line with current market expectations.

Following the update, shares in Domino’s increased by over 3%.

Investment director at AJ Bell, Russ Mould, said the firm’s new management has delivered a "strong set of results".

He concluded: "CEO Nicola Frampton and chief financial officer Andrew Andrea have only been at the helm for a matter of months but already the focus on expanding the customer base, increasing the frequency of customers and running the business more efficiently appears to be paying off.

"Expansion into chicken, an already competitive market, may have raised some eyebrows but the early signs are encouraging, while more broadly the company’s loyalty scheme is continuing to gain traction.

"Frampton and Andrea will not be resting on their laurels, particularly with the market backdrop looking unhelpful. However, judged on the elements they can control, they are certainly off to a decent start."

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