Vimto owner Nichols lifts pre-tax profit 21.5% to £29.2m

Nichols, the Manchester owner of Vimto, has reported higher revenues and profits for the year to 31 December 2025.

Turnover rose 1.3% to £175.1m, pre-tax profit climbed 21.5% to £29.2m and the total dividend increased 5.3% to 33.7p a share.

Revenue growth came from higher volumes in UK packaged drinks. The figures also reflect a move in several African markets to a concentrate model that brings in less revenue but better margins, and the exit from the low-margin Starslush brand in the second half.

Out of Home (OoH) revenue was flat year on year despite the Starslush exit, in line with the company’s focus on profitability.

Free cash flow fell to £13.8m. Nichols said this was caused by a working capital timing difference linked to the phasing of year-end sales, which it expects to reverse in the first half of 2026.

Continued growth in UK Packaged pushed Vimto’s Retail Sales Value (RSV) to a record £129.1m, helped by new products and market share gains in dilutes, energy and ready to drink (RTD).

International Packaged also performed strongly, supported by the new concentrate model in West Africa, which moves production closer to consumers and is improving margins.

Brand licensing continues to grow, with an expanded partnership with Myprotein and a new deal with Applied Nutrition.

The group said its diversified, asset-light model, brand portfolio and strong balance sheet leave it well placed to deliver its medium-term growth strategy. Trading in 2026 so far has been positive and in line with expectations.

CEO Andrew Milne said: “As a result of the continued execution of our growth strategy, Nichols delivered another strong performance in 2025, delivering solid profit growth.”

“In the UK, Vimto has grown across its four key sub-categories, reinforcing the enduring strength and appeal of our iconic brand. Growth has been driven by expanded distribution, investment in our brand and our proven ability to bring compelling new products to market.”

He added: “Our International business delivered impressive growth in Africa, supported by our strategic shift towards a margin-enhancing concentrate model across several West African markets. We have an exciting pipeline of initiatives and plans across our markets in the year ahead and remain focused on delivering further progress against our medium term ambitions.”