Coca-Cola manufacturing franchise in NI sees profits rise

Coca-Cola HBC NI runs a large bottling plant near Lisburn and is responsible for 95% of Coca-Cola products sold throughout Ireland

The Coca-Cola manufacturing franchise in Northern Ireland made pre-tax profits of £10.5m in 2014, up from £7.1m in 2013.

That was achieved despite annual turnover falling by 4% to £190m.

Coca-Cola HBC NI said that was down to improvements in buying, inventory management and other cost savings.

The firm runs a large bottling plant near Lisburn and is responsible for 95% of Coca-Cola products sold throughout Ireland.

It employs more than 500 people, paying wages of more than £19m.

The company said the soft drinks market "remain highly competitive".