(Alliance News) - C&C Group PLC on Thursday said sales were up in the first quarter of its financial year, as it looks to continue its digital transformation.

The maker of cider drinks such as Orchard Pig, Magners and Blackthorn said net sales revenue was up 10% in the first quarter ended June 30.

The firm noted that net sales revenue for its core brands, which include Tennent's and Bulmers, were up 9% over the same period.

C&C added that it is also making progress in solving issues relating to the implementation of its enterprise resources planning system in its distribution business.

In May, the firm said its on time in full rate had suffered due to an ERP system upgrade, with services levels particularly impacted in April due to continuing issues with the system implementation as well as high trading volumes. At the time, C&C it was allocating addition resources to the issue in order to restore service levels. On time in full is essentially an order fulfilment rate.

The firm said on Thursday that service levels are improving, but that it aims to further improve its 'on time in full' metrics.

C&C noted that the ERP system is a "key step" in its digital transformation and optimisation process.

The company also said it is still in the process of recruiting a new chief financial officer.

Chief Executive Patrick McMahon said: "We are pleased with the start our branded business has made in FY2024. We are also reporting progress on the resolution of the ERP system implementation issues. However, the group's performance is not at the level we planned, because of the ERP issues, and resolving them fully including the permanent restoration of OTIF metrics, remains our immediate objective and focus."

C&C shares traded flat at 139.53 pence each in London on Friday morning.

By Harvey Dorset, Alliance News reporter

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