DRINKS firm Allied Domecq welcomed strong trading in three of its core regions, which helped absorb the impact of a triple blow to profits.
The Bristol company warned in February that its results would be affected by higher pension costs, unhelpful currency movements and the impact of destocking of inventories by Spanish wholesalers.
Despite the problems, half-year figures from Allied - best known for Beefeater Gin and Tia Maria - showed pre-tax profits before one-off items rose two per cent to £256m in the six months to February 28.
Stripping out the three negative factors, Allied said underlying earnings grew 20 per cent during the period.
Philip Bowman, chief executive, said strong trading in the US, Asia Pacific and Latin America were responsible for the improved showing.
Allied said it was also benefiting from changes at the group after deals added winemaker Montana and coconut rum Malibu to the company's drinks collection.
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