The return of the Wispa return has helped Cadbury

The re-introduction of the Wispa chocolate bar and increased marketing of Dairy Milk has helped to lift UK chocolate sales, it said.

The firm said it expected growth in confectionery revenue in 2007 to be above its target range of 4-6%.

Cadbury said the key Christmas season had got off to a "positive start".

"While the economic outlook for 2008 is uncertain, we are confident that our trading momentum will carry on into the New Year, supported by our confectionery growth and efficiency initiatives," said Todd Stitzer, chief executive of Cadbury Schweppes.

The firm said it was proceeding with plans to list its drinks operations - which has brands such as Dr Pepper, 7Up and Snapple - on the New York Stock Exchange.

The business would be renamed Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc, Cadbury said.

The firm decided in October to spin off its North American drinks operation after "difficult" credit conditions hampered plans for a sale.