Britvic toasts Q4 revenue rise

21st Oct 2010 07:15

Soft drinks group Britvic served up a 33.4% rise in fourth quarter revenue after a robust performance particularly from its French division.Total revenue for the 52 week period rose 14.6% while excluding its French acquisition, Fruité, group revenue was up 8% and 5.9% for the quarter and year respectively.The Hertfordshire based soft drinks maker said trading in France saw particularly good summer trading.Britvic, which made its move into continental Europe earlier this year with the £194m acquisition of Fruité, said it was "delighted with both the trading performance and integration of Britvic France."Meanwhile Britvic's Irish division lost its fizz amid a "continuing difficult consumer environment." Irish fourth quarter revenue fell 1.2%.The group said it has taken management action on the business model which is hoped will, "put our business model in optimal shape ahead of eventual market recovery," it added. However the recession, it seems, has done little to stifle consumers' thirst overall. Instead consumers have switched to cheaper squash and fizzy drinks with Britvic reaping the benefits. Chief executive Paul Moody said, "Britvic has delivered another strong revenue performance in 2010, maintaining our track record of consistent growth. We have outperformed key markets, which continue to prove resilient despite the uncertain consumer environment."Looking ahead the group expects to meet market expectations in 2010, citing revenue growth alongside tight cost management.The group is also confident of delivering another robust set of results for the year ahead.