C&C group report ‘resilient’ trading over Christmas period

BULMERS maker C&C Group has reported “resilient” trading over the Christmas period despite adverse weather conditions in the UK.

Branded net revenue at the group rose 6 per cent in the ten months to December last year, while distribution net revenue dipped by 3 per cent.

In a trading update, the group said that it expects underlying operating profit to be in line with current market expectations.

Headquartered at Bulmer House in Crumlin, C&C cite challenging conditions across its market as it continues to mitigate the impact of inflation on the business.

The drinks manufacturer hopes to improve operating efficiencies and gain customers in the medium term.

C&C, which has manufacturing operations in Tipperary and Glasgow, owns Bulmers, Magners and Tennent’s, as well as brands such as Five Lamps and Orchard Pig.

The group exports its Magners and Tennent’s brands to over 40 countries.

C&C’s current financial year is set to end on February 28, with annual results set to be published in May.

Operating profit rose to €30.5m in the six months ended 31 August. This was down 42.8 per cent on the same period in 2022 following a one-off cost from a software upgrade in its UK business.

Net revenue was down 1.2 per cent to €872.5m