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C&C Group PLC on Friday reported weak trading in the period leading up to Christmas due to tepid consumer confidence amid UK budget nerves. C&C shares slumped 9.6% to 116.23 pence each in London on Friday morning. The Dublin-based firm, which makes beer, cider, wine, spirits and soft drinks, said it now expects adjusted operating profit in the range of €70 million and €73 million for the year that ends on February 28. C&C had achieved an operating profit before exceptional items of €77.1 million in financial 2025. ‘Customer performance across November and early December was impacted by weak consumer confidence associated with the November UK budget. Our business performance was driven primarily by softer than anticipated demand in hospitality, alongside adverse product mix, as consumers continue to move away from the consumption of wine and spirits, in favour of beer, across the market,’ C&C said. C&C, whose offering includes brands such as Bulmers, Magners and Orchard Pig, added that trading ‘across the Christmas fortnight’ was in line with expectations. However, it cautioned: ‘In January to date we have seen continued softness of consumer demand in the market and anticipate that this will continue for the balance of the current financial year. ‘While the group continued to make strong progress in its key objectives around improving customer service, developing brand execution, innovation and operational efficiency, these actions were not sufficient to offset the combination of subdued market volumes, unfavourable category mix and competitive pricing dynamics across the market.’ C&C continued: ‘The group now expects adjusted operating profit to be in the range of €70 million- €73 million, reflecting the lower operating profits in our Distribution business.’ C&C releases annual results on May 19. Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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