Strong growth in wines and spirits

Wine and spirits group Allied Domecq said yesterday a strong performance by its core brands was behind a 6% rise in profits.

Growth of favourites such as Ballantine’s whisky, Beefeater gin and Malibu rum helped Allied drum up pre-tax profits of £521 million in the year to August 31 - slightly above analysts’ expectations.

The group said volumes of core spirits were up 8%, while profits from its premium wines rose 13%.