GREECE: Coca-Cola HBC reports buoyant 2006

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 14 February 2007

Coca-Cola HBC today (14 February) posted a 13% jump in full-year profits for 2006 thanks to rising volumes across most of its territories.

The Greece-based bottler, which also has operations in 28 countries across Europe and Africa, saw operating profit reach EUR569m (US$745m).

When contributions from the company's recent acquisitions were included in the figures, Coca-Cola HBC said profits rose 15%. Last year, the company bought Italian water business Fonti Del Vulture, Serbian juice group Fresh & Co. and Cypriot drinks firm Lanitis Bros.

Sales rose 16% to EUR5.4bn on the back of an 11% increase in volumes, or 13% once acquisitions were factored into the figures.

Coca-Cola HBC managing director Doros Constantinou said he was "pleased" with the company's "strong" results. He added: "Our operating profit grew ahead of volume, building on our continued investments in sales force capabilities, once again demonstrating our ability to drive profitable growth in challenging conditions."

Sectors: Soft drinks, Water

Companies: Coca-Cola HBC