Drinks and snacks firm C&C saw its operating profit rise by 13 per cent to €124.7 million.
Cider sales were the star performer for C&C: The Magners brand increased its volume sales by 130 per cent on the international market, and sales of Bulmers rose 6 per cent in Ireland.
Net income surged from to €95.8 million to €75.9 million a year ago, with sales rising by almost 9 per cent.
However, the company refused to drawn on the future of snack brand Tayto.
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Speaking this morning, Maurice Pratt, C&C Group chief executive officer, would only say that the brand was subject to the strategic review already announced and would not confirm reports that it was set to be sold.