Britvic profits fizz as problems are left behind

Fruit Shoot and Robinsons squash maker Britvic presented a sparkling 13.5% rise in first-half profit today as its troubles were put firmly in the past.

The drinks group, which in 2012 reported a near-20% fall in profits after being hit by the cost of recalling newly designed Fruit Shoot bottles, issued a forecast-beating operating profit of £59 million today.

The group has stepped up international expansion of its Fruit Shoot brand and chief executive Simon Litherland said: “There are no remaining concerns about the brand. The UK consumer feedback is strong.”

The group has secured full nationwide distribution of Fruit Shoot in the US and will launch Fruit Shoot India this year.

Its French business performed well, driven by Fruit Shoot, with sales up 7% in the country. First-half sales rose 4.7% to £670.7 million, with volumes up 3.9%. Litherland said the UK had performed strongly with sales up 7%.

The group instigated a series of cost-cutting measures after its previous Fruit Shoot issues and the failure to merge with Irn Bru maker AG Barr.

“Our strategy is nearing completion,” Litherland added.