Tango and Robinsons squash maker Britvic believes its focus on healthier drinks has helped it outperform the market.

The group saw full-year sales volumes of still drinks grow by 3.8% against a market drop of 3.4%, while fizzy drinks volumes grew by 2% against a wider market fall of 1.6%.

The company said that a concerted push in its 'all-natural' Robinsons offering helped it limit the impact of weaker demand for soft drinks during this year's wet summer conditions. However, it still saw a 1.5% drop in revenue in the six months to September 30 on what it called 'extremely difficult trading conditions'.

Stockbroker Altium said Britvic's troubles in the second half could result in its full-year earnings missing forecasts. It also warned that the first half of the company's current financial year could be tough.

'Not only will this period be set against tough comparatives (branded revenue grew 4.8% for the first 12 weeks of 2007), but could be characterised as a period of intense promotional activity following the higher than anticipated stock levels after the summer months entering into the important christmas trading period,' said analyst Wayne Brown.

Britvic is heavily geared with debt of around £440 million, which is a risk to its investment case, adds Brown.

Against these concerns, Britvic's share price increased more than 5% in early morning trade today to 334.25p.