Robinsons owner Britvic served up sparkling results after recording a significant surge in profits.

The company, which has one of the 'world's biggest' squash factory at Carrow in Norwich, said its pre-tax profit lifted 12.6pc to £51m in the 28 weeks to April 12, as it refreshed its 7UP branding and relaunched Tango.

The Hemel Hempstead-based firm, which also distributes Pepsi, added that it grew earnings strongly despite ongoing challenging trading conditions.

Chief executive officer, Simon Litherland, said: 'Despite the challenging market conditions we have delivered double digit earnings growth, continued to improve our margin and further reduced debt. Importantly we continued to increase A&P investment behind our brands, our innovation and marketing capability and in our international business unit, to drive future revenue and profit growth.

'We have made significant progress executing our strategy which will continue to create sustainable value for shareholders. Whilst we expect trading conditions to remain challenging, guidance for the current year is unchanged.'