Sales fall at drinks group Britvic after hospitality sector closed

Robinsons squash maker Britvic, led by Simon Litherland, said revenues in Great Britain decreased 4.1% in the first quarter as the hospitality sector was shut.

During the three months to December 31 the soft drinks firm saw strong sales in its at-home division, which stocks products in supermarkets.

But Britvic’s ‘out-of-home’ division has been hit hard during the coronavirus crisis, with restaurants, cafes and pubs that sell its goods having to temporarily close at various points for lockdowns. This arm in  Great Britain saw sales drop 32.5%.

Britvic said: “While there remains considerable uncertainty over the depth and duration of future restrictions, we anticipate they will remain in place at least through our second quarter.”

It expects the performance to be impacted by the lockdowns, and a gradual improvement following the lifting of restrictions.