Compass Group, the world's biggest caterer, posted a 5.7% rise in third quarter organic revenue. New contracts have helped outside the tough European business environment and Compass has said its expectations for the full year were positive.

The group, which provides meals for office workers, soldiers and school children around the world, has said that business in its core North American market was particularly strong thanks to growing outsourcing trends.Growth flagged in recession-hit Europe, though, with southern Europe particularly tough. Revenue for the Europe and Japan region fell 0.9% in the quarter, with Japan partly mitigating the weak Europe performance.