The giftwrap, stationery, crafting and creative play group is now reporting in US dollars since its acquisition of CSS, which means more than 70% of sales originate in the States.

In the six months to 30 September sales were up 41% to $434.6m (£326.2m), while adjusted profit before tax increased from $26.1m to $30.2m.

The group said that its order book was currently up on the prior year at more than 80% of full-year forecasts, “with everyday volumes continuing to be strong across the business”.

Chief executive Paul Fineman praised the “resilience and agility of our teams and our businesses” during an unprecedented period.

“Though it has become more difficult for many to gather together it is pleasing to see that people's desire to celebrate life's special occasions has not waned despite the current circumstances. We've also seen countless families embracing at-home activities such as sewing or crafting. Similarly, Christmas in 2020 is being enthusiastically anticipated with customers reporting strong sell-through of decorations, gift packaging and crackers,” he said.

The group’s share price jumped by 9.38% to 583p on the news.

IG has a large production facility in Wales and produces more than 1bn metres of giftwrap a year. Other products include gift bags, crackers and greetings cards.