Drink and snacks group C&C today said turnover for the full year would increase by 4 per cent despite "a very challenging environment".
In a trading statement, the group said the impact of the weaker US and Canadian dollar would knock €6.8 million off its operating profit.
The company said its cider brands (Bulmers and Magners) and Tullamore Dew have performed strongly and "are the principal contributors to the expected underlying EBITA growth" - which it said would be in line with expectations.
It said: "Sales volumes of the division's principal brand, Bulmers, are expected to match last year compared with an overall long alcohol drinks market decline in the region of 2 per cent."
C&C said the smoking ban had been a significant factor in an estimated 6 per cent fall in pub sales volumes, though percentage growth in the off-licence market had been in in double digits throughout 2004.
It said it anticipated the ban would have a one-off impact on trade and to be fully absorbed by mid-2005.
The group's said its international cider brand, Magners, has significantly exceeded expectations and is expected to achieve a full-year volume growth in excess of 50 per cent, with strong performances in Northern Ireland and Scotland
C&C said its share of the combined carbonated soft drinks and bottled water market fell by about 2 per cent in the 11 months to the end of January 2005.
The snack market, including Tayto, was flat with the second half showing "'a small volume decline".