Merseyside-based soft drinks firm Nichols plc said in a trading update for the year to December 31 that group revenue increased 7.3% to £117.3 million.

Nichols said the growth came from both its UK and international business activities.

In the UK, sales increased 6.9% to £90.7 million, driven by sales of the company’s iconic Vimto drink, which were 5% ahead of the prior year, and incremental revenues from the acquisition of The Noisy Drinks Co. Ltd.

Nichols said this performance was significantly ahead of the UK soft drinks market which grew by 0.8% in the year to December 3, 2016, according to Nielsen.

Nichols’ international sales grew 8.8% to £26.6 million.

“In summary, the board is pleased with the 2016 group sales performance and expects full year profit and earnings per share to be ahead of the prior year and in line with expectations,” said Nichols.

Nichols’ brands include Vimto, Feel Good, Starslush, Levi Roots and Sunkist.

The company’s results will be announced on March 2.