Drinks group C&C has said its sales for the six months to the end of August will be down by 8% compared with the same period a year earlier.
In a trading update, it said its operating profits would be unchanged, as a restructuring programme had improved its margins.
C&C said sales of its Bulmers cider in Ireland were expected to be down around 11%, while Magners volumes in the UK would drop by 15%. It said the falls were due to weaker economic conditions and poor pub sales. C&C added that two consecutive poor summers had also hit Irish sales.
The company warned that difficult market conditions would continue in its second half, putting 'continued pressure' on revenue and profits.
Shares in the company closed up 12 cent at €2.47 in Dublin this evening.
