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 at 11.00 am today:

Current Trading

We are pleased to report that the Group's trading performance for the year to date is in line with management expectations.

Whilst trading conditions within the UK grocery market remain challenging, our UK revenues are benefiting from the incremental impact of both The Noisy Drinks Company Limited, of which we acquired the remaining equity in January 2016, and the Feel Good brand acquired in July 2015.

This year we have launched Vimto Remix which adds new exciting flavours to the Vimto range. As with all of our new product introductions in recent years, Remix is only available in no added sugar options. Our focus has also been on preparing for the re-launch of the Feel Good brand, a range of premium adult juice drinks which have no added sugar and contain 100% natural ingredients. The re-launch will be introduced to the trade ahead of the summer trading season.

Outlook

At this relatively early stage of the year, we are pleased with our performance to date and expect to deliver full year earnings in line with market expectations.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

Nichols plc is an international soft drinks business with sales in over 70 countries, selling products in both the Still and Carbonate categories.

The Group is home to the iconic Vimto brand which is popular in the UK and around the world, in particular in the Middle East and Africa. Other brands in its portfolio include Feel Good, Panda, Starslush, Levi Roots and Sunkist.