BREWER Scottish & Newcastle has warned that wet weather and the lack of a World Cup sales boost would hit its UK profits in the first half of the year.
The Kronenbourg and John Smith's maker said the poor weather and the absence of a major football tournament had seen a 5 per cent decline in the beer market in the first half, although its key brands increased market share.
The company, which also makes Strongbow cider, said that it had invested heavily in marketing spending in the first six months ahead of the key summer period.
Last year, the UK business made operating profits of £74 million in the six months to June 30.
But Scottish & Newcastle added yesterday that full-year profits for the UK business would be in line with expectations despite "particular challenges" in some markets.
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