Ballygowan and MiWadi drive Britvic Ireland sales growth

Ballygowan and MiWadi sales helped Britvic Ireland deliver a 4.1 per cent revenue increase in the first half of the company's year, albeit as profit margins fell.

Britvic Ireland revenues for the 28 weeks to April 10 rose to £62.9 million (€81.9 million). However, the brand contribution margin at the business fell to 34.2 per cent from 35.8 per cent for the same period last year.

The company’s London-listed parent Britvic delivered a 5.1 per cent increase in sale to £678 million in the same period, the 28 weeks to April 10.

"As anticipated, trading conditions in Great Britain, France and Ireland have continued to remain difficult this year and, with the exception of Ireland, show no signs of improvement," said Simon Litherland, group chief executive.

“Our performance in Ireland has been strong and we now see revenue growth in four of the last five quarters,” he said.

The company said it also saw a “strong performance” by its Irish licensed wholesale business, Counterpoint.