Drinks group Britvic, which announced 145 job losses in Ireland earlier this month, has said revenue from its Irish business fell sharply in the last three months of 2008.
In a trading update ahead of its AGM, Britvic said its Irish revenues were just under £50m in the quarter. This represented a drop of 17% in euro terms, though the drop was just under 3% in sterling.
The company said the soft drinks market in Ireland continued to suffer from 'extremely poor and unique' economic conditions, and the situation had deteriorated in the last quarter of 2008. Revenues were hit by falls in sales volumes and lower prices.
Britvic said it expected an 'exceptionally' tough trading environment in Ireland for the foreseeable future.
Britvic's total revenue for the 12 weeks to December 21 were 2% ahead, helped by strong growth in its international business and a steadier British market.
Britvic Ireland - with brands including Ballygowan, 7UP, Club, Mi Wadi and Robinsons - currently employs about 940 staff, with operations in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Donegal and Belfast.
