UK: Carbonates sales fizz for Britvic

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 31 January 2007

Britvic saw carbonates sales rise during the 12 weeks to 24 December last year, the UK soft drinks group said today (31 January).

The company, which produces CSD brands including Pepsi and Tango, said in a trading update that sales from that part of the business were up 2.4%.

Chairman Gerald Corbett said: "Britvic out-performed in carbonates, maintaining its volumes in a market that declined by 2.6%, primarily as a result of further market share gains by Pepsi."

Sales grew faster from its stills business, which includes brands like J20 and Robinsons. Sales were up 6.8%, Britvic said.

In all, the company reported total branded sales growth of 4.8% compared to the same period last year.

Corbett said trading this year had so far been in-line with the company's performance before Christmas.

However, he added: "While this is encouraging for carbonates, we remain cautious regarding the outlook for this category given the continued consumer focus on health and well-being."

Britvic plans to bolster its position in that segment later this year with the launches of Robinsons Smooth Juice and Fruit Shoot 100% Juice.

Last month, private equity firm Permira bought just under 14% of Britvic.

Sectors: Soft drinks, Water