Britvic has seen its revenue increase 29.3% to £926.5m for the 52 weeks to 28 September 2008, compared with the same 2007/08 period. The figures incorporate a full 52-week contribution from Britvic Ireland of £200.7m.

The sales in its Great Britain & International division represent a 4.8% increase over the 52 weeks, which has been put down to the growth in stills and carbonates in the GB market.

A downturn in consumer spending, continued challenges in the licensed on-premise market and the poor summer weather have been noted as barriers to sales growth in the last year.

Despite an overall decline in volume in the GB stills market of 2.7%, Britvic saw strong volume growth of 8.1%. Within the GB carbonates market, it increased its sales volume by 4.3%.

Paul Moody, chief executive commented that the business had delivered a strong performance despite the challenges of current market conditions and rising raw material and energy costs. "The business has achieved good revenue growth, increased market volume and value share with tight cost control helping to deliver our target of increasing GB & International operating profit margin by at least 10-15 basis points," said Moody. "Consequently, we expect to deliver earnings for the year in line with expectations."

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