Cider house rules as C and C profits rise

STRONG cider sales helped push up first-half earnings at C&C Group, offsetting falling profits at its Tayto crisps division.

The company said pre-tax profits in the six months to end August were 31% higher at nearly €50 million, mainly due to continued sales growth of Bulmers cider in Ireland and the launch of the drink (under the Magners label) in Britain.

Overall, cider sales were 28% ahead at €144.5m and the division yielded an operating profit of €45.1m - 27% higher than the same period in 2004.