Britvic full year profit up 11% but new year sees slow start

For the 52 weeks to 27 September, pre-tax profit came in at £147m from £132.9m, but revenue declined 0.6% to £1.3bn, partly as a result of poor sales in the UK and Ireland, where weather was particularly poor.

Chief executive Simon Litherland said: “We have delivered another strong set of results, with margin growth and profit significantly ahead of last year, despite challenging market conditions.

“In all of our core markets, we continued to take volume and value share. I'm pleased to have completed the acquisition of Ebba in Brazil, which will create significant value for shareholders in the future.”

Litherland said Britvic was planning a major investment programme in the UK, which will deliver further efficiencies and flexibility in its supply chain.

The company said it has seen a slow start to the year, reflecting continued challenging market conditions.

However, it is confident of increasing its profitability in 2016 thanks to its marketing and innovation plans and continued focus on disciplined cost management.

The maker of Robinsons squash and Tango said it expects earnings before interest, taxes and amortisation for 2016 to be in the range of £180m to £190m, compared with £171.6m this year.