BRITVIC’S IRISH division continues to weigh on the UK-based company’s overall performance, according to its latest results.

First quarter revenues in Ireland fell by 10 per cent, with much of the decline attributable to a fall in sales of third-party brands sold in pubs and bars.

Britvic, whose brands include Club and Ballygowan, said volume was down 0.2 per cent in Ireland.

The soft drinks maker and distributor, which also owns the popular Robinsons, 7Up, Pepsi and Tango brands, said total group revenue in its latest quarter rose by 2.5 per cent to £295.2 million, driven primarily by growth in Britain, France and internationally.

Revenue from the group’s British division increased by 2.8 per cent and the company achieved take-home market volume and value share gains in the quarter, according to the company’s trading statement.

Revenue from the French subsidiary grew by 12.6 per cent, while international revenue rose by 1.7 per cent.

“Our GB, French and international business units have again delivered positive revenue growth and we continue to compete strongly and effectively in each of our markets,” said Britvic chief executive Paul Moody.

“We expect the general economic and trading environments to remain challenging but, despite this caution, we are confident in our ability to deliver another solid set of results for the year ahead, in line with our expectations.”

The group said it remained on track to achieve full-year revenue growth guidance of 20 per cent.