Distil : 24 October 2019 - Interim Results

Distil plc

("Distil" or the "Group")

Interim Results for the six months ended 30th September 2019

Distil (AIM: DIS), owner of premium drinks brands RedLeg Spiced Rum, Blackwoods Gin and Vodka, Blavod Black Vodka, Jago's Cream Liqueur and Diva Vodka, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30th September 2019.

Operational review:

• RedLeg Caramelised Pineapple Spiced Rum successfully launched into the On-trade
• Ready-to-drink("RTD") RedLeg Spiced Rum and RedLeg Caramelised Pineapple Spiced Rum listed in major UK national retailers
• Mardi Gras trademark secured in Europe and USA
• Implementation of improvements to the structure and capability of New Product Development
• UK blending and bottling relocated to a single site and raw materials stock build
• New markets opened in Czech Republic and Russia

Financial Review - versus same period last year:

• Revenue decreased by 29% to £824k (2018: £1.164m)
• Gross profit decreased by 30% to £499k (2018: £710k)
• Volume (litres) decreased by 28%
• Investment in brand marketing and promotion decreased by 30% to £219k (2018: £312k)
• Other administration costs decreased by 15% to £248k (2018: £293k)
• Operating profit of £1k (2018: profit £101k)
• Cash reserves of £836k (2018: £957k)

Don Goulding Executive Chairman, commenting on these results said:

"We experienced trading challenges in our core markets, particularly the UK unflavoured gin market where we had fewer promotions and retail distribution declined by approximately one hundred outlets, during the six months to 30 September 2019. By contrast the spiced rum market continued to enjoy good year-on-year growth during the period.

Whilst we expect further growth in the spiced rum market we anticipate further softening of the unflavoured gin category into the foreseeable future. Despite these headwinds we remain confident in our strategy of investment in marketing support to our brands, coupled with new product innovation, to deliver growth over the medium term

We look forward to the retail availability and promotional support of RedLeg Caramelised Pineapple Spiced Rum in five hundred outlets and RedLeg ready-to-drink in three hundred stores in Q3.

To reduce and offset the risk of interruption to product supply we have increased our stock of raw materials given the uncertainty of materials and supplies movement in the EU post Brexit."

Executive Chairman's Statement

Results versus same period last year

Overall year-on-year sales revenue and volumes were down during the period. Sales revenue decreased 29% and volumes decreased 30%, against the backdrop of strong year-on-year comparatives and a slow-down in the UK gin market. Despite these falls we successfully maintained gross margins at 61% and, through continued tight control over overheads, were able to report a breakeven result during the first half.

RedLeg Spiced Rum shipments to distributors were flat year-on-year. However, depletions (sales from our customers to consumers) continue to show double digit growth in line with overall spiced rum market volumes, despite lapping strong sales in 2018 and a growing number of new entrants to the spiced rum category.

Gin sales have been disappointing. The gin market, according to latest market data, shows a slowdown during the summer of traditional, unflavoured gin, with overall category volume sales down in the twelve weeks to mid-August 2019. On-trade distribution for Blackwoods 2017 Vintage Dry Gin increased over the period although not enough to offset a range reduction in major retail. The shortfall in gin volumes represent the revenue difference versus prior year.

Sales of Blavod Black Vodka were in line with our expectations, with sales volume performance tracking ahead of the overall vodka market.

Operations

A key area of focus has been to reduce trade inventory overhang from the fourth quarter of the prior financial year and in turn to build our raw materials stock in preparation for likely changes within Europe and possible impact on movement of goods.

We also relocated our UK blending and bottling operations into a single site during the period, enabling further opportunity for operational efficiencies as we grow our business.

Flavoured gin continues to show good growth in the UK. This trend has highlighted the opportunity for Distil to ramp up its innovation capability and speed to market of both new products and new brands.

During the period we have reviewed our capability and identified the key improvements needed to move ahead and to better anticipate innovation trends. The first stage of these changes has been implemented. Consequently, we secured the Mardi Gras trademark in Europe and USA. Product launch will follow in 2020. Our first entry into the growing RTD category in collaboration with Franklin & Sons was announced in September for launch in October.

Outlook

We anticipate continued growth in the spiced rum market with possible continued softening of the unflavoured gin category. We have therefore increased our promotional brand support for the second half of the year, especially through the traditionally stronger Q3 and Christmas trading period, to grow volumes ahead of the market.

UK stock levels have now returned to normal levels and our raw material stock build should ensure we have sufficient product throughout the second half regardless of any product movement delays as a result of Brexit.

RedLeg Caramelised Pineapple Spiced Rum, launched at the start of the financial year, successfully focused on pub distribution and trial. I am pleased to confirm its first major national retail listing in the UK goes live in November, supported by instore activity

Given the prevailing headwinds in our chosen markets, particularly the UK gin market, we anticipate full year revenue to be below current market forecasts. However, due to ongoing operational efficiencies and continued tight control of overheads, we expect operating profit to remain in line.

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