Scottish & Newcastle 'on track'.

Scottish & Newcastle has announced 'robust' results and says it is on track after three quarters of its financial year.

It was particularly pleased with its Baltic and Asian operations.

In a statement the company said: "Results for the third quarter of the year have been robust, showing a continuation of recent trends. BBH and our Asian businesses delivered strong growth.​

"S&N continued to gain share in a difficult UK market, while in the Western European markets we have seen a mixed performance due to an overall weak consumer environment."

The company ssaid it had benefited from the roll-out of 'Super-chilled' technology across Europe but that the UK market had been "weaker than expected".

It also expected the UK market to be adversely affected by the smoking ban next year.

The statement said: "The UK beer market has been weaker than expected in the third quarter, with a decline of 6.7%(1).​

This has been driven in part by a stock overhang following the World Cup but is also indicative of a more depressed consumer environment.

"Within this more challenging trading environment S&N continued to gain share from its competitors, while also benefiting from its strong number one position in the buoyant cider market.

"Going into to the next year we expect the introduction of the smoking ban in England and Wales will have an adverse effect on the market.

"At the same time we see a material impact from the ongoing cost pressures, which will be mitigated by cost reduction initiatives.

"Within this environment we believe we will continue to outperform the market with our strong portfolio of brands benefiting from our focus on innovation in beer and cider."