The World Cup and warm weather have boosted trading for beverage maker C&C Group PLC (LON:CCR) over the past four months.
The owner of the Magners cider brand said trading since March 1 has been “positive across all our key markets” as more people flocked to the pub to watch the World Cup and enjoy the sunshine.
Sunny weather in Ireland also helped Bulmers return to moderate volume growth in the year to date.
In Scotland, C&C said the consumer reaction to the introduction of minimum unit pricing in the country "has been broadly in line with our expectations".
The group also said progress is being made in improving service levels and operational performance at Matthew Clark Bibendum, which it agreed to acquire as part of its deal to buy ailing Conviviality PLC (LON:CVR).
C&C said in April it planned to buy the Matthew Clark and Bibendum drinks wholesalers from Bargain Booze owner Conviviality for a nominal fee. Conviviality collapsed into administration just days after the announcement.
READ: C&C Group throws its hat in the ring to acquire Conviviality distribution arm
Meanwhile, chairman, Sir Brian Stewart, is stepping down today after eight years in the role.
Stewart Gilliland, who joined the board as a non-executive director in 2012, will take over as chairman.