Early summer boosts C&C's cider and beer sales

29th Jun 2011 09:21

Magners and Bulmers cider group C&C enjoyed a respite as drinkers slaked their thirst during the unseasonably warm weather in the three months to 31 May.Sales of Magners, which is sold in the UK and overseas, were up by 14.9% in volume terms, with revenues up by 11.5% in value terms. The growth was "driven by a considerable amount of promotional activity," the company said.Sales of Bulmers, which is sold in the Republic of Ireland, were up by 2.7% in volume but down by 3.3% by value, reflecting strong price deflation in the economically struggling country.Beer sales were more robust. Sales of the Scottish lager Tennent's were up by 4% in volume and by 5.9% in price as "the benefit of price increases flowed through." C&C also said it was making good progress persuading the Irish to drink Tennent's.Trading has been relatively weak in June due to the deterioration in the weather, C&C said.At 09.50am, shares in C&C were down by 1% at €3.59.---RG