SOFT drinks group Nichols enjoyed “another outstanding year” in 2010, achieving record sales and capturing market share.

The Newton-le-Willows firm, which owns the Vimto, Sunkist, and Panda brands, increased sales by 16% to £83.9m in 2010. Pre-tax profits, before a small exceptional item, were up 23% to £15.1m.

Nichols also yesterday unveiled an agreement to license the Levi Roots (Reggae Reggae) brand in the soft drinks market and next month will launch a range of branded Caribbean soft drinks. Levi Roots is one of the most famous successes from the BBC TV show Dragons’ Den, which started off as a sauce.

John Nichols, non-executive chairman, said: “2010 was another outstanding year, despite the difficult economic environment.

“We made excellent progress and were well ahead of 2009, which was also a record year for us and therefore a tough target to beat.

“In a challenging consumer market, once again we have delivered double digit growth in volume, revenue and profitability.”

Nichols operates in 65 companies and international sales accounted for 18% of the company’s revenues. It enjoyed particularly strong growth in Africa.

The exceptional cost, of £300,000, related to its purchase of the remaining 50% of Dayla. It has paid £2.3m to complete the acquisition of the premium juice, bag in box firm.

Nichols has recommended a final dividend of 9.1p, which would result in a total dividend for the year fo 13.55p.