Britvic is accelerating its growth plans for 2025 by focusing on innovative brands and sustainable practices.
In the fiscal year ending 30 September, Britvic reported a significant financial upturn, with EBIT rising by 14.9% to £250.9 million and sales increasing by 8.6% to £1.8 billion, according to the chief executive, Simon Litherland. The growth was underpinned by both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, including the addition of Extra Power and Jimmy’s Iced Coffee to their portfolio. This period also saw a 3.1% rise in sales volume.
Britvic’s UK market experienced notable growth, particularly due to the success of specific brands such as Plenish, whose sales more than doubled. Plenish, a brand focused on plant-based milk and health-oriented shots, achieved this through strategic product launches and marketing efforts. Jimmy’s Iced Coffee also contributed to Britvic’s robust performance, registering a 15% brand value growth, outperforming the category average of 1.7%.
Paul Graham, managing director of Britvic GB, highlighted a focus on ‘Breakthrough brands’ which present strong growth opportunities. These include Plenish, premium mixer brand London Essence, Aqua Libra, and Jimmy’s Iced Coffee. Over the past financial year, these brands achieved a collective net sales growth of 52%. Plenish’s recent sales surge, over 101%, was attributed to its expanded distribution and innovative brand strategies. Simultaneously, Jimmy’s Iced Coffee rolled out new product offerings, including a collaboration with Myprotein and the introduction of a larger “BottleCan” size, alongside a limited edition Cinnamon Roll flavour.
Britvic’s established brands also saw innovation-driven growth. The introduction of limited-edition products like Pepsi Electric and new flavours such as sugar-free Cherry Tango, along with Robinsons’ cordials, exemplified this trend. Their marketing initiatives, including collaborations with major events like The Hundred cricket tournament, have further amplified brand visibility and consumer engagement.
Britvic’s commitment to a healthier product range plays a central role in its future strategy. With low-calorie options becoming increasingly important, Britvic emphasises its leadership in catering to health-conscious consumers. Graham insisted that this was a long-standing priority driven by consumer preferences rather than solely regulatory pressures.
In addition to product innovation, Britvic is enhancing its sustainable practices. The company’s ‘Healthier People, Healthier Planet’ initiative is reflected in its renewable energy projects, significantly reducing carbon emissions. This includes a power purchase agreement for solar energy, contributing to a decrease in emissions by 35%. These efforts signify a commitment to both environmental sustainability and cost-effective production.
Britvic is investing heavily in marketing to ensure longevity and relevance. Recent campaigns, such as the extensive Pepsi initiative featuring social media and TV ads, underline Britvic’s strategic approach to consumer engagement. Future marketing plans include continued investment in emerging brands, leveraging media campaigns to bolster brand recognition.
Britvic’s strategic focus on innovation, sustainability, and health-conscious offerings is poised to sustain its growth trajectory in 2025 and beyond.
