Hotel and restaurant operator Whitbread has reported a 14 per cent increase in total sales for the 39 weeks to 2 December, compared with the same period in 2009.

Total sales across its Costa Coffee estate were up by 30 per cent during the period, while Premier Inn also reported double-digit growth. In its interim management statement, the group said it remains on course to meet market expectations for strong profit growth for the full year.

Whitbread chief executive Andy Harrison said: "The positive momentum in our business gives us confidence that the outturn for the full year will be in line with market expectations for strong profit growth."