Nichols plc Regulatory News (NICL)

Nichols plc

John Nichols, Non-Executive Chairman of Nichols plc, the soft drinks group, will make the following statement at the Group's Annual General Meeting to be held later today:

"2009 was an exceptionally good year for the group and I am delighted to report that the momentum generated has continued into the first part of 2010. Sales in the new financial year, despite strong comparatives, are well ahead of last year and our own internal expectations. In the UK, turnover is significantly up and we have out-performed the market as a whole - continuing to improve our market share".

"Vimto Cherry, our new flavour, was launched in a carbonated format in January and to date sales have also significantly exceeded our initial projections. Vimto Cherry in dilute to taste format was launched into the trade in April and has been similarly well received".

"Internationally, Vimto has begun the year strongly and we expect a similar trading pattern to last year - with our first half year sales benefiting from the slightly earlier timing of Ramadan in 2010 over 2009".

"Our Dispense Operation, which now includes the recently acquired Ben Shaws business, has started the year well and, like the other parts of the Group, is also trading ahead of the Board's expectations".

"With the key summer trading period still ahead, we are extremely pleased with the Group's performance so far and the Board is confident of delivering another strong year".

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

Nichols plc is a highly focused soft drinks and dispensed cold drinks business, comprising two operations:

1) Soft Drinks  (sales and marketing of the Vimto brand throughout the world, where it is now available in over 65 countries and of the Panda & Sunkist brands in the UK)

and

2) Dispense  (namely the Cabana, Beacon, Ben Shaws (dispense), Cariel & Dayla soft drinks on draught 'dispense' businesses)