Robinsons and Fruit Shoot drinks maker Britvic said revenues in the final quarter of its financial year were down 4pc as a result of weakness in European markets caused by poor weather in July and August.

British revenues were 2.1pc lower against a 3.9pc fall in the value of the take-home soft drinks market.

Simon Litherland, chief executive of the company, which has a factory at Carrow Works, Norwich, said: 'We have delivered a strong performance despite the poorer summer weather and the continued challenging trading environment.

'We now expect operating profit marginally ahead of the top end of the guidance range we outlined at the start of the year. Full year revenue grew 2.4pc and the accelerated delivery of our strategic cost initiatives pulled the in-year savings ahead of our original plan. I am especially pleased that we have delivered a strong set of results, with profits well ahead of last year, at the same time as undertaking a significant internal change programme.'