C&C said trading for the four months to June was ahead of expectations leading it to expect operating profits at the top end of its previously guided range between €77 million and €82 million.
While describing the business environment as “challenging” the company said it had benefited from a period of good weather and the successful launch of its pear cider.
Overall revenues for the period were 3 per cent up, with cider revenues increasing 3 per cent while its spirits division declined by 12 per cent.
The company said the re-organisation of its sales force, a 10 per cent cut in the wholesale price for its Bulmers Pint bottle and the launch of Bulmers Pear contributed to its performance in this market being “materially ahead of plan”.
Overall volumes in Ireland were up 4 per cent with cider revenues up 7 per cent.
In the UK cider volumes were 4 per cent lower with C&C suggesting this implies a “loss of share of a growing cider category in Britain”.
The company said it was planning to invest a further €8 million in its brands to build on the momentum from the good summer weather.