Britvic today reported a decline in drinks volumes in the UK as the snowy weather kept people away from pubs and its competitors increased the number of discounted special offers, but said the Irish soft drinks market showed some improvement.
The drinks group, whose brands include Robinsons and Fruit Shoot, said overall group sales rose 20 per cent to £288.2 million in the first quarter of the year, helped by the acquisition of French business Fruite Entreprises, now known as Britvic France, for €237 million last May.
In Ireland, market grocery volumes and value both rose, climbing 2.8 per cent and 0.7 per cent respectively. There was also a slowing in the rate of decline in the pub and club channel, which declined 7 per cent in volume and value.
Overall volumes for Britvic Ireland declined by 9.9 per cent. The company said savings from structural changes will underpin the Irish business's profitability this year, details of which will be presented in March.
In the UK, the amount of still drink Britvic sold was down 3.5 per cent in the final quarter of 2010 as pressures in the challenged pub sector were exacerbated by the weather conditions. The group also reported a 0.2 per cent decline in volumes of carbonated drinks, as a result of more promotions by competitors and despite the UK launch of American energy drink Mountain Dew.
Britvic said that although the amount of drinks it sold declined, UK revenues increased 0.8 per cent as a result of rising prices. This compares to a 15.4 per cent rise in sales a year ago.
Additional reporting: PA