FDBusiness.com

Nichols, the UK-based soft drinks group, has reported a 10.2% increase in revenue to £71.6 million and a 2.0% rise in profit before tax to £13.3 million for the half year ended 30 June 2019, compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. EBITDA increased by 9.7% to £15.3 million. To support the trading growth, Nichols has invested in its infrastructure during the period.

With sales in over 85 countries Nichols is home to the iconic Vimto brand which is popular in the UK and around the world, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. Other brands in its portfolio include Feel Good, Starslush, ICEE, Levi Roots and Sunkist.

Group revenue from still products increased by 11.6% to £33.9 million in the first half, driven by Vimto dilute in the UK and Vimto concentrate sales to the Middle East. Sales of carbonate products grew by 8.4% to £37.7 million as a result of the performance in Africa and out of home growth.

In the UK, group revenue increased by 6.2% to £57.1 million as sales of Vimto grew by 4.0%. International revenues totalled £14.5 million in the period.

John Nichols, non-executive chairman of Nichols, says: “Nichols plc has delivered another good trading performance in the first half of 2019, with growth across both the UK and international markets. As a result, revenue, profit before tax and earnings per share have all increased during the period, and we have increased the interim dividend by 9.7%.”