The board of directors of Simonds Farsons Cisk plc announced another year of steady growth in which the group continued with its improved financial performance despite an increasingly dynamic and competitive operating environment.
The group reported record beverage segment turnover of €106.5 million, representing year-on-year growth of 4.63%. Profit before tax from the beverage segment increased by 8.2% to €16 million, while EBITDA for the group reached €29.2 million. Gross profit margins improved from 42.5% to 42.7%, reflecting operational efficiencies and focused cost management despite continued inflationary, freight and labour cost pressures.
Group CEO Norman Aquilina said: “The group continues to operate within a challenging international environment shaped by geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, freight volatility and labour shortages. Notwithstanding these conditions, as well as a growing competitive local market, we maintained positive momentum through strong brand equity, operational discipline and the resilience of our diversified beverage portfolio.”
The group’s food business also delivered improved trading performance during the eight-month reporting period, generating turnover of €29.7 million and profit before tax of €3 million. During the year, the group successfully completed the strategic spin-off of its food business into Quinco Holdings plc, with shares listed at a total value of €46.8 million, distributed to shareholders through a dividend in kind.
Chair Louis Farrugia highlighted the group’s continued investment in operational excellence and sustainability, including the commissioning of a CO₂ recovery plant and the conversion of boilers to LPG to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
The group also advanced its €11 million Automated Logistics Warehouse project, expected to be completed by the end of 2027, which will further strengthen supply chain efficiency and long-term competitiveness.
The board will be recommending a final net dividend of €5.22 million (€0.145 per share) at the forthcoming AGM. Subject to approval, total dividends distributed in respect of FY2026 will amount to €7.56 million, equivalent to €0.21 per share.
Looking ahead, the group said that the operating environment is expected to remain challenging amid heightened competition.
Nevertheless, the group remains firmly focused on delivering sustainable long-term value through operational excellence, disciplined investment and continued responsiveness to evolving consumer and market dynamics, Farrugia added.
The annual report and forthcoming AGM mark the final occasions on which Norman Aquilina addresses shareholders in his capacity as group CEO.
Aquilina will be succeeded by Michael Farrugia, who was appointed CEO designate in October 2025 and will assume leadership of the group as CO with effect from July 1.
