The firm saw an “encouraging” performance in the first half for its brands, including Magners Irish cider, in Scotland and Ireland. Net sales revenue for its branded business increased by about 6% in the six months concluding on 31 August. This growth, however, did experience a slowdown influenced by less favourable weather conditions during July and August and increased living costs.

The company informed stakeholders that its anticipated net revenue for the half-year ending on 31 August would be roughly €870m (around £753m), marking a 1% decrease compared to last year. The expected operating profit is projected between €29m and €31m (around £25m to £27m.

This drop in profits is primarily due to the expense the company encountered in May tied to complications from a software system upgrade in its wine wholesaling business segment, including suppliers Matthew Clark and Bibendum.

In a concurrent development, David Forde, the then-chief executive, left the company, with Patrick McMahon, the former group financial officer, succeeding him. The hunt for a new CFO is still in progress.

Mr McMahon, group CEO, said: “Set against a difficult market backdrop, we are pleased with the strength of the performance of our branded businesses in Ireland and Scotland in the period.

“We are particularly pleased with the progress we have made in restoring customer service levels following the ERP system implementation issues in our GB distribution business within our planned timeframe.

“Delivering outstanding service, winning back customers, continued business simplification and improved operating efficiency remain our top priorities and focus for the second half.”

C&C Group will publicly share its first-half results on October 26.