Britvic Ireland says that despite the sharp downturn in the economy here its annual revenues rose by 6.2% to £200.7m sterling.
It said that it delivered a robust performance with earnings before tax and interest amounting to €21m, but added that the effects of the Irish recession had hit both the take-home and pub markets.
Britvic bought its Irish soft drinks businesses, including Ballygowan and Club, from C&C last year. It says that 7UP retains its position as the number two soft drinks brand in the Irish market, while core brands such as Club, Miwadi and Ballygowan have been complimented this year by the full integration into the portfolio of Robinsons squash, Fruit Shoot and J2O.
Its UK-based parent company said that revenues rose by over 29% to £925.5m, of which its Irish operations contributed £200.7m. Profits before tax grew by 14% to £70.1m from £61.4m. Basic earnings per share rose to 24.8 pence sterling from 29.4 pence - up 21.6%.
The company said these results showed resilience and were delivered despite repeated poor summer weather and tougher trading conditions, combined with the toughest raw material and energy cost pricing environment for many years.
It said the UK soft drinks market fell by 0.8% in volume over the year.
