Soft-drink maker Britvic has said its Fruit Shoot drink is now available across the US, a milestone in its drive to create international brands.

The company, which also makes drinks such as Tango, as well as PepsiCo brands Pepsi and 7UP in Britain and Ireland, reported a 14 per cent rise in first-half operating profit, broadly in line with an average analyst forecast.

It makes 70 per cent of its revenue in Britain, but hopes to franchise brands such as Fruit Shoot and Robinsons squash in developed and emerging markets in coming years.

Britvic raised its interim dividend by 13 per cent to 6.1 pence.

It said operating profit for the 28 weeks to April 13th had risen to £59 million. Revenue rose 4.7 per cent to £670.7 million, with volumes up 3.9 per cent and average prices up 0.8 per cent. – (Reuters)