Britvic’s profits up as it hikes prices

SOFT drinks giant Britvic has seen half-year profits jump nearly 50% as it hiked prices to offset inflation, but cautioned over falling consumer spending amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The Robinsons squash and J2O maker reported pre-tax profits of £59.3m for the six months to March 31, up from £39.8m a year earlier.

Revenues jumped 18.5% to £719.3m and the group said drinks bought for “immediate consumption” had now bounced back ahead of pre-pandemic level.