Britvic soft drinks see revenue rise by 9.4 per cent

KYLEMORE drinks manufacturer Britvic saw Irish revenues rise 9.4 per cent in the year to the end of September.

The soft drinks business, which makes Ballygowan and MiWadi, said the increase was driven by both volume sales, as well as price hikes.

The introduction of Ballygowan Hint of Fruit products in 2022 boosted revenue by a further 88.3 per cent, according to Britvic.

Overall, revenue from external customers in the Irish market was £160.3m, the company reported.

Britvic described trading in the Irish market as “challenging”, adding that “substantial” price increases did not manage to fully offset the impact of inflation on the business here.

While Pepsi, 7Up, MiWadi and Ballygowan all recorded revenue growth, other brands, such as Teisseire and Fruit Shoot, saw sales decline in Ireland as consumers opted for cheaper private label options in stores.

Overall group revenues were up 6.6 per cent to £1.75bn in the 12-month period.

While volume sales were down 2.2 per cent, it was offset by average realised price growth of 9.1 per cent.

Britvic said demand remained strong.

Poor weather in July and August contributed to a decline in sales in Europe compared to the hot summer in 2022.

“Our portfolio of family favourite brands and focus on great tasting, healthier drinks offers both quality and value at affordable prices,” chief executive officer Simon Litherland said.

“We have continued to invest across our supply chain, adding capacity and upgrading technology, while also building our brands and portfolio.”

Britvic, which is headquartered in the UK, employs 360 people across the island of Ireland. It is the top domestic producer of soft drinks in Ireland.

The company also produces Robinsons and Tango, as well as PepsiCo brands which are made and marketed here under licence.

It has a manufacturing site in Ballyfermot for the past 50 years.