Magners returns to profit after three years

Magners producer C&C Group posted stellar results with sales of the cider brand jumping 24%

Sales of Magners cider returned to growth in Britain for the first time in three years, its maker C&C said yesterday. The recovery contributed to a 29.4 per cent rise in C&C's half-year earnings from continuing operations, to €63.4m (£55.2m).

Half-year sales volumes of Magners worldwide rose 1.6 per cent and C&C said it was on track to return to annual earnings growth this year. Analysts expect full-year operating profits of between €102m and €106m.