BRISTOL, U.K., Sept. 3, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Allied Domecq PLC stated that the key drivers of the business have continued to perform strongly in the second half of its financial year with earnings for the year ended 31 August, 2004 in line with expectations. This performance is based on robust growth from the core spirit brands, premium wine and the Quick Service Restaurants business.
The growth from the spirits portfolio has been led by strong core brand growth in the US, supported by good profit growth in Spain, the UK and Central Europe. Elsewhere, year on year trends have improved in the second half, with Asia Pacific trading in line with last year and Latin America performing significantly ahead of last year. In aggregate, the core spirit brands recorded good global volume and market share growth, in particular, Ballantine's, Sauza, Malibu and Canadian Club. Allied Domecq's wine portfolio continued to deliver very strong profit growth resulting from the continuing focus on the premium market and the business continues on track to deliver its profit growth and its return on invested capital targets.
The Quick Service Restaurant business has continued to deliver excellent profit growth driven by product innovation and new store openings. Margins have also improved through cost efficiencies.
The impact of foreign exchange movements is in line with previous guidance and the underlying performance of the business is strong.
Philip Bowman, Chief Executive of Allied Domecq PLC says:
"This has clearly been a good year for Allied Domecq with good volume and value growth across our spirits, wine and QSR brand portfolios. The resulting strong organic growth from our businesses will allow Allied Domecq to report a further year of earnings growth despite the very significant adverse impact of currency movements during the year."
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About Allied Domecq PLC - Brands People Want
Allied Domecq PLC is one of the world's largest premium spirits, wines and food service operations. A global company with annual sales of more than GBP3,317 million/$5,241 million*, Allied Domecq serves consumers through its operations in more than 50 countries, supported by 12,500 highly skilled employees. Core spirits brands include Ballantine's, Beefeater, Canadian Club, Courvoisier, Kahlua, Malibu, Maker's Mark, Sauza and Tia Maria. Allied Domecq's wine portfolio features Campo Viejo, Champagne Mumm, Champagne Perrier Jouet, Clos du Bois, and Montana. The company's international quick service restaurant holdings include Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo , comprises more than 12,000 retail outlets. Allied Domecq's performance is driven by its globally recognised portfolio, its geographically diverse market and customer presence, and the talents of its people.
Allied Domecq is traded on both the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ALLD.L) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:AED). Further information on the company can be found at www.allieddomecq.com.
* FY 2003