Current Trading
UK revenue for the first quarter of 2018 is ahead of the prior year both on a reported and like for like* basis, and compares favourably to the total UK soft drinks market growth of 2.6% (Nielsen year to date to 24 March 2018). As previously reported and as anticipated, the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the timing of the majority of shipments for Ramadan 2018 falling into Q4 2017 has impacted international sales in Q1 2018.
Outlook
We maintain our previous guidance for 2018 and currently expect full year earnings to be in line with market expectations.
*Like for like sales excludes the incremental sales from D J Drink Solutions Ltd acquired in June 2017