UPDATE 2-Northern Foods Q1 sales up, confident on year

* Q1 sales growth boosted by warm weather

* Prices increased by 1.3 pct, volumes up 4.2 pct

* CEO optimistic can beat full-year profit target

* CEO sees group as a future consolidator of industry

* Shares up 4 percent

(Adds company, analyst comment, shares, details)

By Rhys Jones

LONDON, July 15 (Reuters) - British food manufacturer Northern Foods (NFDS.L) reported solid first-quarter trade, boosted by warm weather, and said it was optimistic it could beat full-year profit targets, lifting its shares.

Northern Foods, which makes branded and private-label food and ready meals for retailers as diverse as Marks & Spencer (MKS.L) and Aldi (ALDA.O), said on Wednesday underlying sales grew 5.5 percent in the 13 weeks to June 27.