**Summary of Distil PLC Final Results for the Year Ended 31 March 2025**
Distil PLC, a UK-based premium drinks brand owner, announced its final results for the year ended 31 March 2025, highlighting both challenges and strategic progress in a difficult market environment.
**Operational Highlights**
**Strategic Partnership** Extended partnership with Global Brands Ltd to include UK on-trade distribution, securing full distribution rights in the UK.
**New Listings** Gained new distribution listings in the UK on-trade post year-end.
**Brand Home** Completed first-fit of the Blackwoods Brand Home, with an open day held in June 2025.
**Board Strengthening** Appointed Addy Adebola as Finance and Operations Director and Sarah Kingsbury as Marketing Director, while Roland Grain retired.
**US Market Entry** Agreed distribution partnership with AIKO Importers, Inc to reintroduce Blavod Black Vodka to the US market.
**Ardgowan Investment** Varied terms of the Ardgowan convertible loan to support the opening of the Ardgowan whisky distillery and laying down of first whisky stocks.
**Strategic Review** Ongoing review of strategic options to determine how best to support long-term shareholder value.
**Financial Highlights**
**Revenue Decline** Turnover decreased by 32% to £1.04 million (2024: £1.52 million).
**Gross Profit** Gross profit decreased by 46% to £394k (2024: £736k).
**Volumes** Volumes decreased by 27%.
**Margins** Margins decreased to 38% (2024: 48%), with an 8% reduction attributed to a one-off stock adjustment.
**Advertising and Promotion** Spend decreased by 14% to £444k (2024: £515k).
**Operating Loss** Operating loss increased to £1,232k (2024: loss £1,092k).
**Cash Position** Net cash outflow of £188k (2024: £191k outflow), with year-end cash reserves of £338k (31 March 2024: £526k).
**Fundraising** Successfully raised £650k (gross) via equity fundraise during the year and completed a £755k (gross) equity placing post year-end to meet near-term cash requirements.
**Chairmans Statement**
Don Goulding, Executive Chairman, acknowledged the challenging market conditions, including increased operational costs, labor shortages, and shifting social patterns, particularly in the UK. Despite these challenges, the company focused on strengthening its core brands and protecting its intellectual property. The partnership with Global Brands Ltd is expected to yield positive results in the financial year ending March 2026. The company remains committed to cost management and strategic reviews to position itself for growth and shareholder value delivery.
**Outlook**
Looking ahead to FY25/26, Distil PLC anticipates cautious optimism, believing that consumer confidence will return and its brands are well-positioned to benefit. The expanded UK distribution network and promotional efforts are expected to drive volume and brand awareness. The company will continue its proactive approach to cost management and strategic reviews to ensure long-term growth and shareholder value.
**Key Financials**
**Loss Before Tax:** £1101k (2024: loss £942k).
**Net Assets** £5.68 million (2024: £6.37 million).
**Basic and Diluted Loss per Share** (0.10) pence (2024: (0.16) pence).
Distil PLC remains focused on its core brands and strategic initiatives to navigate the challenging market conditions and drive long-term growth.