Magners boosts C&C

Cider maker C&C Group has posted strong sales figures for Magners cider in the UK in the three months to the end of November 2011, with a 5.8% increase in volume and a 7.8% increase in net revenue.

There was also continued momentum in Magners exports (outside Ireland and the UK) in the quarter with a 31.9% increase in volume delivering 25.3% growth in the nine month period.

The group reported a robust performance for Tennent’s lager in the Scottish independent free trade channel and overall operating margin improved despite a decline in net revenue.

Bulmers net revenue remains under pressure from poor performance in the on-trade and an increase in promotional pricing in the Irish off trade, though there was an improvement in trading in Ireland and the UK during the Christmas period.

The group said the strength of C&C’s business model, despite a challenging economic backdrop, should deliver solid earnings growth in the current financial year.

Trading over the Christmas period was positive in both Ireland and the UK with last year’s comparative figures impacted by adverse weather in both markets.

Volume of Bulmers shipped in December was up 1% versus the previous year, volume of Magners shipped in the UK was also up 1% year on year while Tennent’s volume in the Scottish on-trade was up 12%.

Magners export volume for December was up 22% year-on-year.