Condoms-to-footcare firm SSL International said continuing demand for its key brands was helping it survive the recession with annual profits growth of more than 30 per cent.

The firm’s Durex condom business had good growth while its Durex Play range of adult gels and toys has maintained its strong performance.

The company also owns footcare firm Scholl, which benefited from the success of its Perfect Nail Treatment and the initial roll-out of its Biomechanics shoe inserts.

Cheshire-based SSL expects sales of about £640 million in the year to March 31, 20 per cent ahead of last year, thanks to the weak pound. Stripping out currency effects, underlying sales for branded goods are still more than six per cent ahead.

Chief executive Garry Watts said: “As a consequence of this underlying sales growth, continuing cost control and the benefit from favourable currency rates, we continue to expect to announce reported operating profit growth in excess of 30 per cent.”

Scholl Footwear enjoyed strong growth in Asia and a “solid performance” in major European markets, the firm added.

While Durex and Scholl have driven sales, revenues of its locally-owned brands - such as Syndol pain reliever and Meltus cough medicine in the United Kingdom and Mister Baby in southern Europe - have been broadly flat. Sales of unbranded condoms and other goods were about £63 million - two per cent ahead of last year on an underlying basis.

SSL, which was formed through a series of mergers ten years ago, has operations in 35 countries across Europe, Asia, Pacific and the Americas, selling its products in more than 100 countries worldwide.