Drinks and snacks group C&C has brought forward a planned expansion of its cider production capacity at Clonmel in Co Tipperary due to increased demand for its products.

The company said yesterday it was expanding one year ahead of its plans, reflecting "continued growth" of its cider division.

C&C's cider business, which trades as Bulmers in the Republic, has received a considerable fillip this year by launching in London as Magners. In a pre-close statement issued last month, the firm said sales of Magners had more than doubled over the first six months of the year.

C&C could not comment on progress yesterday because it is in a closed period, but further details on the cider performance should emerge when it reports results next Tuesday.

Since launching in London's €1.5 billion pub market for long-necked drinks early in the year, C&C has moved into the city's off trade. It is tipped to focus on Birmingham and Manchester for further sales growth next year.

Merrion Stockbrokers analyst Robert Brisbourne, who visited C&C in Clonmel yesterday, said that the firm had ample space for growth at the facility.

He expects the Magners roll out to have pushed up revenues in next week's numbers, but said it is too early to expect any impact on profits.

Liam Igoe of Goodbody, who also toured the Clonmel site, is also bullish on C&C, saying the firm seems to be "gearing up for a fairly significant expansion".

Shares in the company rose by 16 cent to close at €5.11 last night.