Marketing

Growth up 3.3% at Britvic Ireland

Britvic Ireland’s Counterpoint business together with its own business saw volume growth of 3.3% to 216.5 million litres in the year to 1st October 2017 according to its recently-published preliminary results.

Britvic GB increased sourcing of product from Ireland during the year as part of managing through supply line changes.

Britvic Ireland’s revenues were up 14.1% (or 25.1% taking into account currency fluctuation) to £164.7 million from the previous year’s £131.7 million.

Counterpoint benefited from an improved offering across its alcohol and snacks range as well as additional business in Dublin following the successful completion of the acquisition of East Coast distributors earlier in the year.

With the exception of 7UP (which has declined “in a competitive lemon and lime category”) Britvic Ireland’s owned brand growth was led by its stills portfolio, particularly Ballygowan and MiWadi (which celebrates its 90th anniversary) and its range of low and no sugar products.

According to Nielsen, Britvic Ireland has become the top RoI manufacturer of low and no sugar soft drinks.  By April 2018, 79% of Britvic’s owned brands and 69% of its total distribution portfolio will be exempt from – or under – the pending sugar tax levy.

Britvic Ireland’s parent company, Britvic plc posted a 2.5% growth in revenue at constant exchange rate to £1.54 billion from £1.43 billion but pre-tax profits fell to £138.8 million from £151.9 million.


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