Home drinkers ease snow woe for C&C

14th Jan 2011 08:08

December's snowstorms took their toll on Magners cider group C&C, though better off-trade sales helped offset the impact on the pubs business.The adverse weather in December meant Magners volumes shipped to the UK on-trade were down 19% on the same month last year. But the the poor weather in the UK encouraged consumers to stay and drink at home, with Magners UK off trade volumes up 52%. Overall, shipments of Magners in the UK were 24% ahead during December.In Ireland, total Bulmers volumes shipped across both channels of trade in the month were down 5%.Before the cold snap, Magners GB volumes were up 4.8% in the 3 months to 30 November with net revenue close to level in the quarter. Bulmers volumes in the Republic of Ireland rose 2.4% during the 3 months to November against a weaker set of comparatives. Revenue 'deflation' for the Irish cider business remains around 4%, C&C added."Economic conditions in the group's core markets remain unpredictable and the adverse weather has added to the existing consumer challenges. However, we remain confident of delivering to the previously stated guidance for operating profits in the range of €102m-€106m for the full year," C&C concluded.