Wine and beer producer Chapel Down Group grows profits 31%

Kent wine and beer producer Chapel Down Group grew sales by a third year on year in the first half of 2015, the company has reported.

The group’s total sales were up 33% to £3.25m for the six months to 30 June, while gross profits rose 31% to £1.17m. However, investments made by the company in its brands, infrastructure and supply meant its EBITDA came in at £84,000, 13.5% higher than last year.

Growth was consistent across wine and beer, with beer sales up 33% to £974,000. Volumes of Chapel Down’s still wine, which is often released in the year following vintage, have grown 57%. Its sparkling volumes have risen 32%, and the company said it was managing growth in this segment in order to maintain a premium profile.

“We have delivered another strong set of results, with sales and gross profits both up by a third,” said CEO Frazer Thompson. “Consumers’ interest in English wines and beer grows from strength to strength and Chapel Down is well positioned to benefit.

“The proceeds of last year’s successful crowdfunding are being used to plant more vines in the finest sites, improve our production facilities, winemaking equipment and systems, and develop our people and brands. We are encouraged by the prospect of another good harvest in 2015 that will enable us to continue to improve the quality of our wines and ensure we have supply in place to meet future demand.”

Chapel Down’s Brut Non-Vintage is listed in Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose and Ocado (£20.79-£22.00). Waitrose also lists the brand’s Flint Dry (£9.99), Bacchus (£12.99), Rose (£10.99) and Curious Brew Lager (£1.40/330ml).