Premium soft drinks and mixer producer Fentimans has reported another year of booming sales, though its profits were hit by investment in brand growth.

Fentimans reported a 24.6% hike in full-year sales in the 12 months to 31 December 2017, heavily driven by surging export sales.

UK sales were up 18% to £19m while overseas exports jumped 37.7% to £11.1m in the period.

However, operating profits dropped 38% from £1m to £634k as gross profit margin fell from 33% to 28.3%.

Fentimans said its profit figures reflected “significant investment in research and development” as it incurred costs on NPD and a packaging relaunch in the period.

The brand rolled out new bottles across its entire drinks range in early 2018, changing from green to flint glass.

Fentimans also enlisted Ian Bray, former MD of London brewer Fuller, Smith & Turner, to take over as CEO in April.

Bray commented: “We are pleased with our 2017 financial performance, and we continue to grow ahead in both the premium soft drinks and mixer markets”.

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