C&C announced today that group turnover will rise 9 per cent for the year to the end of February amid strong growth in cider sales.
Turnover in the cider division grew by 30 per cent, with Irish cider brand Bulmers experiencing volume growth of 6 per cent. International brand Magners has grown in volume by 125 per cent.
The firm is still facing difficulties in the soft drinks and snacks sector, with trading conditions described as difficult. C&C is expecting the full-year results to show a drop in operating margins.
Despite this, C&C has confirmed that the results will largely be in line with market expectations.
The company reported underlying growth of 10.3 per cent in first-half operating profit in October, compared to an increase of 6.1 per cent for the same period in the previous year.