Britvic sees 4.6% increase in revenues for first half of year
Britvic has reported group revenues of £505.3m for the first half of the year, 4.6% up on last year.
The soft drinks firm, which makes brands including Tango and Robinsons and distributes Pepsi in the UK, says “strong brand programmes, supported by effective execution in the marketplace” has helped them achieve the growth.
Both carbonates and stills performed well in the UK, though sales in Ireland fell. Overall, operating profit increased 23.5% to £39.4m in the UK and international, compared to last year’s £31.9m.
Paul Moody, Britvic chief executive, says: “Whilst the severe winter weather and tough comparable period in the prior period contributed to a slowing in GB/International revenue growth in the second quarter; our brands have continued to take market share across key categories.”
“Our portfolio has also been further strengthened by the new GB innovation programme consisting of both Britvic and PepsiCo brand launches. However visibility in both GB and Ireland beyond the short-term remains limited.”
Meanwhile, Britvic has also submitted a binding offer for the acquisition of Fruité, a leading independent soft drinks company in France for €237m (£203.7m).
Fruité has leading market positions in syrups and the ambient pure juice market thanks to its powerful brands Teisseire and Moulin de Valdonne, Fruité and Pressade.
Moody adds: “The contemplated acquisition would extend our soft drinks focus into continental Europe, would drive our already strong portfolio into new markets and would enhance our GB offering.”
At the time of going to press, Britvic’s shares were 453p, up 14.2p.
