The German drinks company, Berentzen-Gruppe AG, has reported a net profit for the first half of 2003 of €1.76m (US$1.89m), up from €645,000 (US$695,697) in the first half of last year. Turnover rose from €91.55m to €94.78m.

Net profit from the company’s spirits division for the first half rose sharply from €1.45m to €2.67m which Berentzen attributed to improved sales and marketing. Profits from soft drinks rose to €140,000 from €16,000 last year.

Berentzen has also announced that it plans to expand its product portfolio and included in these plans would be a move into the wine market.