The Czech soft drinks group, Kofola, formerly known as Santa Napoje, posted sales of CKr1.65bn in 2002, up 65% from CKr1 billion in 2001.

The company said that sales across the range had increased, but particularly notable was the increase in sales of its Top & Topic brand which was launched in May 2001. Expansion into Slovakia had also contributed to growth with sales in Slovakia reaching CKr300m.

The flagship brand, Kofola, which the group bought from the Opava-based company, Ivax, last year for CKr215m, accounts for around 25% of the company’s volumes. Sales of Kofola in Slovakia are growing, the company said, while it is also exploring the export potential for the brand in Poland, Hungary and the US.