Wine Industry Report

Lion Nathan Limited (Lion Nathan) has posted a strong interim result, lifting operating net profit after tax (NPAT) by 7.0% to $167.7 million for the six months to 31 March 2008. Net sales revenue again grew strongly, rising 7.9% to $1.12 billion as increased investment in marketing and innovation initiatives continued to encourage drinkers to shift to higher equity national and premium brands. The robust revenue improvement was also assisted by the earlier timing of Easter in 2008 and the inclusion of almost three months of Boag’s trading following its acquisition in January 2008.

Full press release (pdf)