Britvic boosted by festive UK demand, Irish sales slump

Robinsons and Tango firm Britvic has reported improved sales growth after UK consumers bought more soft drinks for the home in the run-up to Christmas.

But the group, which also owns the licence to make Pepsi and 7Up, saw its overall performance held back by “dire” sales in Ireland, where revenues dropped 10%.

The UK-based company, which employs 3,500 staff worldwide, reported a 2.8% increase in revenues in the UK, led by cola brand Pepsi, while its take-home market share was boosted as customers stocked up for the festive season.

Charles Pick, analyst at brokers Numis, said the update was “mixed” with revenue gains “restrained by another dire performance in Ireland”.