Irish revenue at drinks group Britvic has reported a 5.6% drop in annual revenues.

The company said it does not see growth here in the market for the short term.

Britvic brands in Ireland include Ballygowan, 7UP, Club and Mi Wadi.

Its Irish revenues for the year ending September fell to £189.5 (€210) million from £200.7 (€222) million in 2008.

This is despite the British arm of the company posting a 23% hike in annual profits.

The group reported pre-tax profits of £86.5 (€96) million in the year to September 27 and said its brands grew market share across the board.

Britvic saw British sales volumes of its still and fizzy drinks rise by 3.6% and 7.9% respectively, despite a consumer spending slowdown hitting the soft drinks industry.

Chief executive Paul Moody said conditions were also improving in the wider soft drinks market, while he gave an upbeat view on current trading.

He said: “Recent conditions in the Great Britain soft drink market have shown some signs of improvement, although visibility in both Great Britain and Ireland beyond the short term remains limited and we take a cautious view of consumer spending.

“However, we are encouraged by our strong group performance in the early weeks of the new financial year.”