7th Dec 2007 07:01
Barr(A.G.) PLC07 December 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7 DECEMBER 2007 A.G.BARR p.l.c. Interim Management Statement A.G.BARR p.l.c. the soft drinks group announces its second Interim ManagementStatement relating to the thirteen week period from 28 July to 27 October 2007. Total year to date revenue has increased by 5% compared with the same periodlast year. In the thirteen week period total revenue was down by 1% reflecting thecomparatively poor summer weather experienced this year versus last year. Thetotal soft drinks market as reported by Nielsen in this period was down 3% involume terms. Operating margins continue to be in line with expectations. However forecastincreases in raw material prices especially in glass, aluminium and plastic areexpected into next year. Several new products have been launched in the period including the new StClements Juice and Smoothies range which have gained strong initial listings.Good progress was made in the period towards our launch date for the RockstarEnergy brand, which successfully took place in late November. Our balance sheet remains strong and there have been no significant changes inthe financial position of the Company since the interim results relating to the26 weeks to 28 July 2007 published on 25 September 2007. Outlook Trading remains in line with our expectations. The festive trading season isalways a period of intense activity, this year is likely to be no different. Webelieve our plan to blend increased advertising, strong in-store execution and acompetitive price proposition should ensure we can effectively compete acrossthis key trading period. For further information, please contact: A.G.Barr Tel: 01236 852400 Roger White, Chief Executive Iain Greenock, Finance Director Buchanan Communications Tel: 020 7466 5000 Tim Thompson / Nicola Cronk This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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