Revenue rose 4% to £437.3m over the period, with cash generated from operations growing 12.7% to £64.9m. The strong performance supported an 11% increase in the full-year dividend to 18.71p per share, with net cash at bank standing at £41.6m following a series of acquisitions.

The group has been building its portfolio beyond its iconic fizzy drink through the purchases of Innate-Essence, Frobishers and Fentimans, and now sees “substantial growth opportunities” in the health and wellness sector as consumer demand for alcohol moderates.

Chief executive Euan Sutherland said functional healthy hydration and premium socialising were expected to drive incremental growth, underpinned by health and wellness trends. He added that the strategy was designed to deliver above-market growth rates and realise the ambition of doubling the size of the business, whilst maintaining the core business model and a disciplined focus on margin, return on capital employed and shareholder returns.

Interim chair Susan Barratt said the board was investing in manufacturing capacity, format capability and talent at all levels of the organisation. She expressed confidence in the group’s ability to deliver growth ahead of the market whilst maintaining financial discipline and generating sustainable returns for shareholders.

The company entered the new financial year with what it described as good momentum, and expects low double-digit revenue growth supported by its recent acquisitions.