S&N profits up in final year before smoke ban

February 21, 2007: Profits before tax rose by 13.9% in the 12 months to December 31 for Scottish & Newcastle, the brewer has reported.

The company saw important growth in core brands such as Foster's lager and Strongbow cider, up 9.1 and 12.9% respectively.

It also reported significant success with its super-chilled beers, such as Kronenbourg White, and in developing the beer with food market.

S&N predicts the smoking ban will see its UK on-trade market decline by about 5% in 2007.

The company is developing markets worldwide, notably with joint ventures in Russian, India and China.