Coca-Cola HBC has reported rising underlying profits for the third quarter of the year.

CCHBC, one of Europe's largest bottlers of non-alcoholic beverages, posted a 12% rise in underlying operating profit to EUR197m (US$232m). Volumes rose 10%, the company added.

During the first nine months of the year, operating profit rose 9% to EUR439m on the back of 10% increase in volumes.

Managing director Doros Constantinou said: "I am pleased to report another solid quarter and nine months as we continue the successful execution of our strategy. We remain confident that we will meet our 2005 full-year financial targets as we continue to see steady momentum in several countries and reinvest in the business in line with our strategic initiatives."