Bulmer makes its point with Strongbow and fires off higher payout

Looking up: John Rudgard, chief executive, and Michael Ward, finance director, after yesterday's announcement that strong growth in sales of Strongbow cider had fuelled a 14 per cent advance in pre-tax profits to pounds 19.6m at HP Bulmer for the year to 30 April. Earnings per share were 23.9p compared with 20p, and a 6.4p final gives a total dividend of 10.15p (9p). Bottom Line, page 31.

Photograph: Edward Webb

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