The maker of Robinsons squash and Tango has built on an existing relationship with US soft drinks giant Pepsi, which makes the product, called V-Water.

“It’s big in the States but not so well known here,” said Britvic chief executive Paul Moody. “V-Water is a number of products with different vitamins, to help you detox or relax.”

Britvic yesterday said pre-tax profits rose 13.2 per cent to £17.2million on sales up 28.6 per cent to £454.7million for the half year to April. The shares rose 4p to 329dp.

Moody said sales were proving resili­­ent in shops and supermarkets but that soft drinks had slumped 7 per cent in pubs, the result of the smoking ban and the credit crunch.

“We are planning for an average summer this year,” said Moody.

Sales were buoyed by a first full-period contribution from new operations in Ireland. Britvic is seeking further opportunities in Europe, where sales rose nearly 18 per cent.

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