Vodka producer cheers earnings

Profits at vodka maker Stock Spirits rose in the first half as its turnaround efforts begin to yield results.

The London-listed firm booked a 23 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to €15.7 million (£14.2m) on revenues of €119.8m. The group saved a total of €2.5m as part of an efficiency drive, according to financial results released yesterday.