Drinkers lose taste for Magners and Bulmers cider

The maker of Magners and Bulmers cider, C&C, today reported another slump in sales and said its markets were challenging.

The Dublin company said cider volumes fell nine per cent in the three months to November 30, compared with the same period a year earlier, with British drinkers turning away from cider to create a 13 per cent plunge.

C&C said volumes improved in December, at three per cent ahead amid late ordering from British trade customers.

The group expects a "modest" year-on-year decline in cider volumes for the full financial year to 28 February, compared with a decline of 14 per cent in the previous year.

It expects to report operating profits in line with guidance, towards the top end of a 77 million (£68 million) to 82 million (£72 million) range.