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 JANUARY 30, 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 30 January 2004
2pm 30 January 2004
Allied Domecq PLC Trading Statement - AGM
Allied Domecq PLC Positive After Strong Start To Year
Allied Domecq PLC announces that trading for the first four months of its
current financial year has been strong in most areas of the business.
The performance of the spirits portfolio has been robust. The nine core brands
have delivered growth in both value and volume of over 6% supported by growth in
advertising and promotion as predicted at the close of the last financial year.
The Spanish market has substantially recovered from the change in wholesaler
buying patterns experienced by the industry last year. Both Ballantine's and
Beefeater have gained further share in this market supported by increased brand
investment. Elsewhere in the Eurozone the economies remain challenging but
Ballantine's has gained market share in both France and Germany. The North
American business has performed strongly and gained market share from
competitors. These positive performances have more than offset weaker trends in
Mexico and Asia Pacific, in particular Korea.
The wine portfolio has continued to deliver good revenue and profit growth due
to the Group's strategic focus on product mix at the premium end, despite the
anticipated decline in volumes of table wines from Spain.
Results from the Quick Service Restaurant division are very strongly ahead.
These reflect the impact of the increased pace of new store openings over the
past twelve months, product innovation driving same store sales growth in
Dunkin' Donuts, and a lower cost base following the restructuring of the
business at the end of last fiscal year.
If the US dollar remains at its current rate for the remainder of the financial
year we estimate a full year translation impact on trading profits of
approximately GBP25 million. Notwithstanding this Allied Domecq is on track to
deliver good earnings growth in the current financial year.
ENDS
For further information:
Media Enquiries
Stephen Whitehead Allied Domecq PLC +44(0) 20 7009 3927
+44(0) 7880 783 532
Anthony Cardew/ CardewChancery +44(0) 20 7930 0777
Rupert Pittman
Original high-resolution photographs are available to the media free of charge
at www.newscast.co.uk +44(0) 207 608 1000.
Investor Enquiries
Peter Durman Allied Domecq PLC +44(0) 7771 974 817
Forward-Looking Statements:
Information in this release may involve guidance, expectations, beliefs, plans,
intentions or strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements included in
this release are based upon information available to Allied Domecq PLC (the
"Company") as of the date of the release, and we assume no obligation to update
any such forward-looking statements. The statements in this release are not
guarantees of future performance and actual results could differ materially from
our current expectations. Numerous factors could cause or contribute to such
differences. Please refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the
year ended August 31, 2002, and our other reports filed from time to time with
(or submitted from time to time to) the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
for a further discussion of the factors and risks associated with our business.
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.
30 January, 2004
ALLIED DOMECQ PLC
By: /s/ Charles Brown
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Name: Charles Brown
Title: Director of Secretariat & Deputy
Company Secretary