UK brewer builds on its market leadership in 2006

Foster's lifts S&N

The 'big four' drinks brands in the Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) portfolio continue to fuel the company's growth in the UK, according to results for the first half of 2006 published today.

Volume sales of Foster's and Kronenbourg 1664 lagers, John Smith's ale and Strongbow cider grew by almost 9%, compared to around a 5% growth across the S&N's UK portfolio of brands. S&N's UK business grew turnover by 7.4% to ?852m for the six months to June 30, with operating profits up 2.8% at 74m.

S&N said it had consolidated its beer market leadership in the total UK market with a share of 26%, an increase of 0.6% over the same period last year.

The World Cup gave a 2% boost to UK beer and cider sales in the first half of 2006, according to S&N.

Total turnover for the S&N business was up 6% at ?1.99bn, with pre-tax profits up 12% at ?187m.