Nichols profits fizz despite flat sales

NICHOLS, the North West drinks specialist, best known for its Vimto brand, has reported a hike in profits, despite flat sales.

While internatonal sales rose nearly 4%, by contrast domestic sales, which account for the lion’s share of total revenues, there was a reduction of 0.3% to £84.8m.

The Newton-le-Willows company said total revenue in 2015 was £109.3m, compared with £109.2m in 2014.

Profits were 9% up at £28m, which chairman John Nichols, hailed as a “strong performance.”

He added: “Complementing our organic growth we were delighted to complete the two important strategic acquisitions during the year of the Feel Good brand and Noisy Drinks. These provide exciting extensions to Nichols’ brand portfolio and distribution and will have a positive impact on revenue in 2016.

“Underpinned by the strengths of our brands, people and business model the board looks forward with confidence to the year ahead.”