The boss of Fever-Tree on Tuesday suggested the tonic maker’s remarkable growth in Britain may have peaked.
Tim Warrillow cheered a 53% UK sales jump in 2018, but said supplier contracts to supermarkets have little room to grow.
He said: “We are so well stocked by UK retailers [already] and the clear market leader, so it is natural that we will see a moderation in growth rates this year.”
Numis analyst Damian McNeela said: “Its recent strong success in the UK necessitates that growth in this market moderates, but the considerable opportunities afforded by both the US and Europe should drive substantial growth over the medium term.”
The AIM-listed firm saw group revenue rise 40% last year to £237.4 million. Pre-tax profits increased to £75.6 million from £56.4 million.
Shares in Chelsea-based Fever-Tree rose 21p to 2563p. It floated at 134p a share in November 2014, and has since benefited from a surge in customers seeking more premium mixers for gins and whiskies.
Warrillow said the company plans further international expansion. Its products include elderflower tonic water and ginger beer.
