Soft-drinks maker Britvic has said that Pepsi Max has experienced strong sales growth in the UK and Ireland, ending 2017 with a record high market share.
It added that the no-sugar beverage was the core focus of all Pepsi advertising in the country last year, responding to growing consumer demand for low-sugar products.
"This is a key moment for Pepsi Max, which has been consistently taking market share, in a growing category, for many years now," said Paul Graham, GB managing director at Britvic.
"With consumers increasingly seeking great tasting no and low-sugar options, it is great to see how successfully Pepsi Max is taking advantage of that trend, through new flavour innovations and bold campaigns."
The company combines its own leading brand portfolio including Robinsons, Tango, J2O, Fruit Shoot, Teisseire and MiWadi with PepsiCo brands such as Pepsi, 7UP and Lipton Ice Tea which Britvic produces and sells in GB and Ireland under exclusive PepsiCo agreements.
Solid Start
Last week Britvic reported first quarter revenue of £337.2 million, an increase of 3.3% on the prior year, according to its Quarter 1 trading statement, 24 December 2017.
“We have delivered a solid start to the new financial year, with group revenue growing 3.3% ahead of a strong first quarter last year.” Simon Litherland, Chief Executive, said.
Stills Portfolio
Britvic is an industry leader in the Ireland with brands such as MiWadi and Ballygowan.
It's owned-brand revenue also increased, due to positive price and mix, led by the stills portfolio.
In Ireland revenue increased 16.5%, benefiting from the acquisition of East Coast in the second quarter last year, which has 'improved it presence in the growing on-trade channel'.
Britvic says that it is committed to providing consumers with healthier choices, and that the business is 'well-positioned' ahead of the Soft Drinks Sugar Levy, which is set to be introduced in the UK this April.
© 2018 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
