Drinks group C&C increased the annual bonuses of its four executive directors last year by 45 per cent to €1.16 million, according to its latest annual report.

The largest percentage increase was awarded to James Muldowney, C&C's strategic and development director, who saw his bonus rise by 74 per cent to €186,000 in the year to the end of February 2007. Mr Muldowney's total pay for the year rose from €452,000 to €568,000.

Group finance director Brendan Dwan was given a 71 per cent increase in his bonus, taking it to €231,000 last year. Mr Dwan's total remuneration came to €705,000, up 26.3 per cent on 2006.

The bonus paid to Brendan McGuinness, the managing director of C&C's thriving cider division, rose by 57 per cent to €249,000 from €159,000. Mr McGuinness's total pay rose by 27 per cent to €774,000.

Maurice Pratt, C&C's chief executive, was paid a bonus of €496,000 last year, a rise of 24 per cent on 2006.

The increases reflect the growth achieved by C&C during the year. Its operating profit from cider more than doubled to €178.9 million, driven by Magners' expansion in the UK. C&C's share price, meanwhile, increased by 87.5 per cent during the 12-month period to €10.50.

Mr Pratt's overall pay package rose by 16 per cent to €1.4 million in the year to the end of February from €1.2 million a year earlier.

C&C paid its four directors €3.45 million last year, up 22.3 per cent on the €2.82 million figure for 2006.

C&C's seven non-executive directors received €597,000 in the same period, up 9.2 per cent on 2006.