A revival by Tennent’s and good sales of craft beers and ciders provided some cheer for C&C PLC (LON:CCR) in an otherwise difficult year.
“Our Scottish businesses excelled this year, with Tennent’s driving share growth and revenues,” said Stephen Glancey, chief executive.
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Volumes at its new trendier ranges such as Orchard Pig cider and Heverlee lager, rose by 41% over the year and chipped in €15.7mln to group revenues.
Stalwart Tennent’s meanwhile saw net sales rise by 5.3%, though revenues overall fell 8.1% to €548mln.
C&C’s profits for the year were 9% lower at €79.2mln, with international sales particularly weak.
The group added that so far it has found nothing unexpected in Matthew Clark Bibendum, which it acquired from the administrators of Conviviality in April.
Dividends for the year rose to 14.58c (14.33c).
Stephen Glancey, chief executive, said the UK and Ireland remained a challenge, but the branded portfolio had returned to volume and revenue growth and had outperformed the broader LAD (long alcohol drinks) market.