Carlsberg and Britvic have been named Europe’s Bottler of the Year 2025 by PepsiCo, recognising strong commercial performance across Europe and continued growth in the UK soft drinks market. The award reflects sustained gains in volume, value, and market share, with momentum accelerating through 2025.
What is Europe’s Bottler of the Year?
Europe’s Bottler of the Year is an internal recognition awarded by PepsiCo to its top-performing bottling partner in the region. It highlights execution across manufacturing, distribution, and retail performance, including category growth, brand penetration, and the ability to scale key products across supermarket and convenience channels.
At a glance
- Carlsberg Britvic named PepsiCo’s Europe Bottler of the Year 2025
- Recognition based on strong commercial performance across Europe
- UK market delivered consistent share gains and higher penetration
- Growth recorded in both volume and value across soft drinks
- Pepsi Max remains a key growth driver
- Brand now leads the UK carbonated soft drinks category
- Partnership strength between PepsiCo and Carlsberg Britvic reinforced
Why was Carlsberg Britvic selected?
Carlsberg Britvic was selected due to sustained performance across its soft drinks portfolio. The business delivered consistent gains in market share and expanded consumer reach across Europe, with the UK acting as a core growth engine. Performance strengthened further in 2025, supported by execution in retail and distribution.
How strong is UK market performance?
The UK has been central to this recognition. The business reported continued share gains, rising penetration, and strong growth in both volume and value. These trends indicate steady demand across supermarkets and convenience channels, with improved availability and category execution driving results.
Which brands are driving growth?
Pepsi Max has been a major contributor to growth. The brand continues to expand rapidly and is now positioned as the leading product in the UK carbonated soft drinks category. Its performance reflects sustained consumer demand and strong positioning across retail shelves.
What does this mean for the beverage sector?
The award signals continued consolidation of leading brands within the European soft drinks market. Strong execution, wide distribution, and supplier–retailer alignment are becoming critical. Large-scale partnerships, such as that between PepsiCo and Carlsberg Britvic, are shaping category leadership and influencing shelf space decisions.
