Soft drinks firm Britvic said on Wednesday its full-year adjusted core earnings rose 5.1 per cent, but warned that the introduction of a soft drinks tax in Britain and Ireland would create uncertainties in the sector. But the industry is opposing the tax, saying that it will not work and will disproportionately hurt poorer people. The tax is due to come into force in April 2018, giving soft drinks makers such as Britvic and Coca-Cola European Partners time to reduce sugar in their products. Chief executive Simon Litherland played down the fears, saying the company was well placed to navigate the uncertainties related to the tax. “Ninety-four per cent of our own brands will be unaffected by the sugar levy,” he said.

Source: The Irish Times November 29, 2017 08:37 UTC