Nichols plc Regulatory News (NICL)

Nichols plc

Nichols plc ("the Group"), today issues the following trading update for the year ended 31 December 2015.

Group revenue for the year was £109.3m, which is in line with the prior year and management expectations. 

Whilst the UK soft drinks market has remained challenging, the Group has a strong international business where sales grew by 1.5% compared to 2014 and 3.9% on a constant currency basis. Reported export sales in the year totalled £24.4m, an increase of £0.4m. This was despite the difficulties in shipping to Yemen, due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

Total UK sales were £84.9m, a marginal decline of 0.3% compared to 2014 although slightly ahead of the total UK soft drinks market performance which declined by 0.7% (Nielsen year to 5 December 2015). Within the UK, we maintained our value over volume strategy for the Vimto brand, resulting in growth of 4% in the Still category and a 7% decline in the promotionally led Carbonate category.

In summary, Group 2015 sales performance is per our expectations and whilst the UK market remains challenging, our international business has continued to deliver good growth. We expect full year profit and earnings per share to be ahead of the prior year and in line with market expectations.

The Group's Preliminary results will be announced on 2 March 2016.

John Nichols

Non-Executive Chairman

Notes to Editors:

Nichols plc is a highly focused soft drinks business. Its brand portfolio includes Vimto, which is sold in over 65 countries and Levi Roots (soft drinks), Feel Good, Sunkist & Panda which are sold in the UK. The Group operates in both the "Still" and "Carbonate" drinks categories.