Tonic maker Fevertree to raise prices as glass costs soar
REUTERS 3:38 AM ET 3/22/2023
Symbol Last Price Change
FQVTF 12.8down 0 (0%)
QUOTES AS OF 12:00:00 AM ET 03/21/2023
By Radhika Anilkumar
(Reuters) -Fevertree Drinks(FQVTF) plans to raise prices of its tonics and mixers and step up production in the United States to cope with the soaring cost of glass bottles and glass shortages in Britain, it said on Wednesday, boosting its shares.
Energy and commodity costs have surged since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, leading companies across the globe to hike prices and look for savings, while households struggle to manage their bills.
Fevertree, which sells most of its upmarket mixers in glass bottles, warned in January its profits this year would be hit by an estimated 20 million pound ($25 million) increase in glass production costs.
The London-based company, which supplies to about 85 countries, said prices would increase by 5% in Britain and the U.S. this year.
From 2024, it also aims to produce all the bottles and cans it needs for the United States locally, Chief Financial Officer Andrew Branchflower said during its earnings presentation.
"Markets have reacted well to news that it (Fevertree) plans to ramp up U.S. production and to pass on costs to its customers in order to protect margins," Mark Crouch, analyst at social investing network eToro said.
Fevertree shares were up 6.5% to 1,148 pence at 1115 GMT.
"Whilst the group continues to operate in a challenging cost environment, we are resolutely focused on delivering a wide range of initiatives across the business that will optimise operational capabilities and underpin our confidence in driving margin improvement in 2024 and beyond," CEO Tim Warrillow said.
Fevertree, founded in 2003, said it was working with glass suppliers to mitigate costs wherever possible.
The company's tonics currently retail at about 1.7 pounds to 2 pounds at supermarkets across Britain, while Coca-Cola-owned rival Schweppes sells at around 1.3 pounds.
Coca-Cola HBC AG, one of Coca-Cola's many bottlers worldwide, said in February it would also increase prices to tackle rising costs.
Fevertree reported a 37% fall in adjusted core profit to 39.7 million pounds for the year ended Dec. 31, in line with its guidance.