British drinks group Allied Domecq has reported a 16% rise in half-year profits and added that it sees good earnings growth sustained for the full year.
The company, which makes Ballantine's scotch whisky, Sauza tequila, Beefeater gin and Kahlua liqueur reported pre-tax profits for the six months to February 28 of £236 million before exceptionals, on sales up 12% at £1.46 billion. Analysts had forecast first half pre-tax profits of £220-230 million.
