Drinks group C&C has reported poor quarterly results with its operating profits falling by 9.5% to €62.6m across two quarters, while its half-yearly revenues fell by 2.6% to €358.6m in the same period.

While the group has had well-documented difficulties expanding in the English market - and it has also struggled in North America, the company now reports that it is also facing challenges in its core markets in Ireland and Scotland.

The makers of Bulmers Cider said that the fall in profits is due to "one-off or transitional" factors, including poor summer weather in the UK and Ireland during the summer months, legislation changes in Scotland, and the restructuring of the brand's wholesale business.

A statement from the company said, "In aggregate, the headwinds will adversely impact profitability by €10m in the financial year."

The group said that it will offer an interim dividend of 4.73 cent per share for the financial year ending February 2016 - that's a 5.1% increase on last year's final dividend.

Chief executive Stephen Glancey commented on the group's performance:

"Looking ahead, we expect improved operational performance in Ireland and Scotland as we move through the second half and into FY 2017 underpinned by ongoing cost saving initiatives, sustained investment behind our brands and increased emphasis on niche and premium.

"We are assuming that market conditions will continue to be testing particularly in our core markets in the coming months but we are confident that we are taking the right actions to build durable, long-term value for all shareholders and this is reflected in a 5.1% increase in our interim dividend."