SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR SEPTEMBER 03, 2004
ALLIED DOMECQ PLC
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
ALLIED DOMECQ PLC
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bedminster Down
Bristol BS13 8AR
England
(Address of Registrant's principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file
annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F x Form 40-F
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the
information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the
information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes No x
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If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to
the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- _____
Exhibit Index
Exhibit No. Description
Exhibit No. 1 Trading Statement - announcement dated 03 September, 2004
RELEASE TIME: 07:00 - 3rd September 2004
ALLIED DOMECQ PLC TRADING STATEMENT
ALLIED DOMECQ UP-BEAT AT CLOSE OF YEAR
Allied Domecq PLC stated that the key drivers of the business have continued to
perform strongly in the second half of its financial year with earnings for the
year ended 31 August, 2004 in line with expectations. This performance is based
on robust growth from the core spirit brands, premium wine and the Quick Service
Restaurants business.
The growth from the spirits portfolio has been led by strong core brand growth
in the US, supported by good profit growth in Spain, the UK and Central Europe.
Elsewhere, some markets remain challenging, but results are now tracking
against weaker prior year comparatives. In the second half at constant exchange
rates, Asia Pacific traded in line with last year and Latin America performed
significantly ahead of last year. In aggregate, the core spirit brands recorded
good global volume and market share growth, in particular, Ballantine's, Sauza,
Malibu and Canadian Club. Allied Domecq's wine portfolio continued to deliver
very strong profit growth resulting from the continuing focus on the premium
market and the business continues on track to deliver its profit growth and its
return on invested capital targets.
The Quick Service Restaurant business has continued to deliver excellent profit
growth driven by product innovation and new store openings. Margins have also
improved through cost efficiencies.
The impact of foreign exchange movements is broadly in line with previous
guidance and the underlying performance of the business is strong.
Philip Bowman, Chief Executive of Allied Domecq PLC says:
"This has clearly been a positive second half to the year for Allied Domecq with
good volume and value growth across our spirits, wine and QSR brand portfolios.
The resulting strong organic growth from our businesses will allow Allied Domecq
to report a further year of earnings growth despite the very significant adverse
impact of currency movements during the year."
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Stephen Whitehead, Director of Group Corporate Affairs
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7009 3927
Mob: +44(0) 7880 783 532
Cardew Chancery
Anthony Cardew/Rupert Pittman
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7930 0777
Investor enquiries:
Peter Durman, Director of Investor Relations
Tel: +44 (0) 7771 974817
Photography:
Original media photography available at www.newscast.co.uk
About Allied Domecq PLC - Brands People Want
Allied Domecq PLC is one of the world's largest premium spirits, wines and food
service operations. A global company with annual sales of more than GBP3,317
million/$5,241 million*, Allied Domecq serves consumers through its operations
in more than 50 countries, supported by 12,500 highly skilled employees. Core
spirits brands include Ballantine's, Beefeater, Canadian Club, Courvoisier,
Kahlua, Malibu, Maker's Mark, Sauza and Tia Maria. Allied Domecq's wine
portfolio features Campo Viejo, Champagne Mumm, Champagne Perrier Jouet, Clos du
Bois, and Montana. The company's international quick service restaurant
holdings include Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo , comprises more than
12,000 retail outlets. Allied Domecq's performance is driven by its globally
recognised portfolio, its geographically diverse market and customer presence,
and the talents of its people.
Allied Domecq is traded on both the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ALLD.L) and the
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:AED). Further information on the company can be
found at www.allieddomecq.com.
* FY 2003
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
03 September, 2004
ALLIED DOMECQ PLC
By: /s/ Charles Brown
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Name: Charles Brown
Title: Director of Secretariat & Deputy
Company Secretary