Soft drinks group Nichols has posted a 15.5 per cent increase in pre-tax profits for the six months to 30 June.

Group sales reached £29.2 million, up from £27.8 million in the previous year. Pre-tax profits came in at £3.2 million.

The Newton-le-Willows based company, which makes Vimto, Panda and Sunkist, said the strong figures come despite the rising cost of raw materials and bad weather.

Chairman John Nichols said: "Our Vimto brand has continued to grow its market share, particularly in the carbonate and ready-to-drink sectors, and in new international markets."

Nichols, which employs over 150 people, says that 135 million bottles and cans of Vimto were sold last year.

The northwest is home to some of the food industry's biggest names. As well as Nichols, these include Kellogg's, Warburtons, Nestle, Fox's and Heinz.

Indeed, the food and drink sector has been identified by the Northwest Development Agency as a priority growth sector.