Gusbourne Plc (AIM: GUS), the premium English sparkling wine producer, is pleased to report the following unaudited trading update for the 12 months to 31 December 2022, reflecting another strong year of performance for the Company.

Financial Highlights

  • Net revenue(1) for the year ended 31 December 2022 is expected to be up by 48% (2021: 95%) to c. £6.2m (2021: £4.2m, 2020: £2.1m and 2019: £1.7m), reflecting continued robust sales growth across our three main channels(3).
  • Direct to consumer (DTC) net revenue grew by over 20% to c.£1.7m driven by online sales and cellar door operations in Kent, representing c.27% (2021: 33%) of net revenue for the year. Revenues from Experiences(2) have increased by c.70% compared to 2021 and our Gusbourne Reserved customer base increased by over 45%.
  • K Trade sales grew by over 55% to c.£3.0m, as the industry had its first full year without COVID-19 restrictions. UK Trade sales represent c.49% (2021: 47%) of net revenue. The Company has established new trade accounts across premium hotels and restaurants to support the Gusbourne brand.
  • International sales grew by over 75% to c.£1.4m and are expected to account for c.22% of total net revenue (2021: 19%).
  • Net debt at 31st December 2022 is expected to be approximately £12.5m.
  • The Company continues to trade in line with market expectations.

Operational Highlights

  • During 2022, the Company purchased a further 55 hectares of new land, increasing the total amount of freehold land to 196 hectares. The Company expects that most of this land will be planted with new vineyards over the coming years to further strengthen its growth platform.
  • Gusbourne has introduced several new wines during the year, including the critically acclaimed Fifty-One Degrees North luxury sparkling wine.
  • Gusbourne remains one of the most globally recognised English sparkling wine producers, with distribution in over 30 international markets.
  • During 2022, the Company received a record number of awards for its wines, winning more gold medals and trophies than ever before. Highlights include:
    • Four trophies, including retaining Estate Winery of the Year at the Wine GB awards
    • Collecting the Vintage English Sparkling Wine Trophy at this year's International Wine Challenge, along with eleven other medals
    • Thirteen medals, including two golds, at the Decanter World Wine Award
    • Five gold medals at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships
    • Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs of the Year in the England 2022 Special Report
    • Two Editor's Choice listings in Wine Enthusiast and four wines scoring over 94 points
    • A Judges' Selection and Platinum award at the Texsom Awards in the USA

Charlie Holland, Gusbourne's CEO and Chief Winemaker commented:

"I am pleased to report another excellent performance in 2022, including a good Christmas period. Despite a challenging macroenvironmental backdrop, we have continued to see significant consumer demand for Gusbourne wines, reflecting the luxury status of the Gusbourne brand and the underlying growth of the dynamic English wine sector.

We have seen strong revenue growth across all our sales channels, both in the UK and internationally, as the quality of Gusbourne's wines continue to gain praise and critical recognition, further cementing our excellent reputation.

With these results, a fantastic harvest in 2022 and further land purchases made during the year, the Board continues to look to the future with great confidence as we further strengthen our position as one of the UK's most significant fine wine producers."

(1) Net revenue is revenue reported by the Company after excise duties payable

(2) Experiences includes guests who visit our Cellar Door, The Nest, for a vineyard tour and wine tasting experience, as well as sales of experience gift vouchers.

(3) In addition, £0.1m Other Revenue

 

For further information contact:

Enquiries:

Gusbourne Plc

Charlie Holland

+44 (0)12 3375 8666

Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited (Nomad and Sole Broker)

Hugh Rich / James Sinclair-Ford / Lauren Riley

+44 (0)20 7886 2500

Media:

Houston

Kate Hoare / Ben Robinson / India Spencer

gusbourne@houston.co.uk

+44 (0)20 4529 0549

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as amended by regulation 11 of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310. With the publication of this announcement, this information is now considered to be in the public domain.

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