REG - Distil PLC - Trading Update

DistilAnnouncement

10/01/2024 07:00

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RNS Number : 1491Z  Distil PLC  10 January 2024

Distil PLC

 

Trading Update

 

Distil plc (AIM: DIS), owner of premium drinks brands RedLeg Spiced Rum,
Blackwoods Gin and Vodka, TRØVE Botanical Vodka and Blavod Black Vodka, is
pleased to provide an update on trading for the third quarter of its current
financial year ending 31 March 2024.

 

Unaudited year-on-year third quarter (October to December 2023) results:

·    Revenues increased 39% to £571k (October to December 2022: £411k)

o  Cumulative revenues for 9 months to end 31 December grew 38% year-on-year
to £1.2m (April - December 2022: £0.87m)

·    Volumes increased 10%

·    Gross profit increased 23% to £272k (October to December 2022:
£222k)

o  Cumulative gross profit for 9 months to end 31 December increased 26%
year-on-year to £554k

·    A&P increased 48% to £198k (October to December 2022: £134k)
representing increased promotional slots in major grocery over the Christmas
period

·    Launch and sell-out of RedLeg Limited Edition in major grocery

 

Don Goulding, Executive Chairman of Distil, said:

 

"I'm pleased to share the Q3 results which, despite a challenging economic
environment and a suppressed consumer spirits market, show that the business
is continuing to grow following the business remodel in 2022 and reported
growth in H1.

 

This quarter saw the launch of the first RedLeg Limited Edition, available via
RedLeg's e-commerce site, as well as major UK grocery. The product sold out at
a business level pre-Christmas, and we saw strong performance both in grocery
and online, increasing off-promotion sales, recruiting new consumers and
building brand equity. Following the launch, revenues online grew 261% versus
the previous period, demonstrating consumer engagement and demand.

 

RedLeg also benefitted from increased promotional activity year-on-year,
including investment into in-store media, additional shelf space in select
stores, and more weeks on promotion in our key trading period.

 

Blackwoods Gin & Vodka saw Q3 revenue grow 123% year-on-year (72% revenue
growth year-to-date vs same period last year), driven by growth in both the
on-and off-trade across all SKUs. With the first distillation at Ardgowan due
in January 2024, and the visitor brand experience scheduled to open in the
Spring, we're encouraged by the traction that is being built with the brand
and are excited about the growth opportunities to come.

 

We continue to make progress in the UK on-trade, with key account wins in Q3.
The on-trade is facing significant challenges as a result of utilities and
duty increases squeezing consumer spending, but our brands are well positioned
to continue to build on the success we've seen so far this year.

 

The fundraise in Q3 provided working capital to ensure that our customers were
serviced to a high level during our busiest period, and will support our
growth plans through to the end of March 2025, including the fit-out and
opening of the Blackwoods brand experience at the distillery, and launch of
new products. Cash balances at 31 December (unaudited) amounted to £581k

 

Despite the medium-term macro outlook continuing to be challenging as the
overall spirits market remains soft due to increased pressures on consumer
spending, we are encouraged by a positive quarter and the growth achieved
year-to-date. Thanks to the flexibility afforded by our business remodel, we
are confident that we can continue to build on this growth in Q4, ensuring
that our brands and business is well positioned into the new financial year."

 

For further information please contact:

 

 Distil PLC
 Don Goulding, Executive Chairman            Tel: +44 203 405 0475
 SPARK Advisory Partners Limited (NOMAD)
 Neil Baldwin                                Tel: +44 203 368 3550

 Mark Brady
 Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Ltd (Broker)
 Andy Thacker                                Tel: +44 203 657 0050

 James Pope

 

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