Distil Regulatory News (DIS)

21 January 2019

Distil Plc

Trading update

Distil plc (AIM: DIS), owner of premium drinks brands RedLeg Spiced Rum, Blackwoods Gin and Vodka, Blavod Black Vodka, Jago's Cream Liqueur and Diva vodka, is pleased to report higher levels of sales during the third quarter ending 31 December including the important Christmas period. 

Year-on-year third quarter (October to December 2018) revenues and volumes increased by 29%, supported by a 53% increase in brand marketing investment.

Year to date sales for the nine-month period April to December increased 36% in revenue and 30% in volume, with marketing investment increasing 51%.  

Don Goulding, Executive Chairman of Distil, said:

"Our brands continued to perform well in Q3, growing volume and value across all trade channels in a highly competitive market. 

We increased marketing investment in promotional activity over the Christmas period to build stronger consumer awareness, trial and purchase of our key brands.

Early reports from major customers indicate good year-on-year sales in the four weeks running up to Christmas, although consumers appeared to leave many purchases and celebrations until late in the month. 

The outlook for the final quarter to 31 March 2019 remains positive with full year out-turn expected to be in line with market expectations." 

For further Information:

About Distil

Distil Plc is quoted on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. It owns drinks brands in a number of sectors of the alcoholic drinks market. These include premium spiced rum, vodka, gin, vodka vanilla cream liqueur and are called RedLeg Spiced Rum. Blackwoods Vintage Gin, Blackwoods Vodka, Blavod Original Black Vodka, Diva Vodka and Jago's Vanilla Cream Liqueur.

www.distilplc.com

The information communicated in this announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014.