Share
  • Sales in six months to end of March up 18.5% to GBP719.3m (US$894.3m)
  • UK top-line up 19.3%, with ‘out-of-home’ back “at 2019 levels”
  • “Significant pricing activity” implemented across markets, full benefits expected in H2

Britvic has capitalised on the return of UK consumers to pre-pandemic habits by posting a healthy lift in sales during its fiscal first half.

The UK-based company, which handles PepsiCo’s beverage brands in the country, has reported an 18.5% top-line rise from the six months to the end of March. Sales in the on-premise led the way, climbing 59% on the corresponding period last year, while the ‘at-home’ channel held firm, increasing sales by 4.4%.

Compared to the same six-month period in 2019-20, the half-year was up by almost 14%.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

On a geographical basis, the group’s UK recovery was again led by on-premise gains, with the top-line “significantly” ahead of both H1 fiscal-2021 and the comparable period to the end of March 2020, when the pandemic was yet to fully emerge. The group noted an “increase in socialising and mobility” in the country during the period. 'At-home' sales in the region were less pronounced, although remained ahead of 2021 comparables.

In Brazil, sales were up 15.3% thanks in part to the roll-out of the Fruit Shoot brand and a strong showing by "credible, scale" coconut water brand Puro Coco. The country is not without its challenges for Britvic, however, as rising inflation prompted the implementation of "multiple price increases" over the six months.

See Also:

On a brand level, all of Pepsi, Tango, 7UP, R Whites, J20, Lipton and Fruit Shoot delivered double-digit growth, although Britvic admitted the volumes for cordial brand Robinson’s were “softer”, due to strong comparables and a reduction in promotional activity to "protect and grow the brand’s margin".

In accompanying commentary, the group admitted to “significant pricing activity” over the last two quarters to combat soaring costs - the effects of which will likely come into play in its second half. Inflationary headwinds are also expected longer term, Britvic warned.

CEO Simon Litherland

"I am delighted with our first half performance. We have successfully executed pricing and cost actions to mitigate significant levels of inflation while continuing to rebuild investment to support our near and longer-term growth ambitions.

“The current geopolitical uncertainty is likely to result in continued cost inflation and pressure on consumer spending at least into 2023. I remain confident, however, that we will continue to successfully navigate the headwinds ... ."

To view Britvic’s official half-year results announcement, click here.

Why M&A moves suggest a healthy future for soft drinks - Click here for a Just Drinks comment