Drinks can maker Rexam focuses on Brazil ahead of World Cup and Olympics

Rexam, the drinks can maker for Coca Cola, Pepsi and Red Bull, fixed its sights firmly on Brazil today ahead of the 2014 Football World Cup and 2016 Olympics.

The company said it hoped to increase market share in the world’s fourth-largest economy as it gears up to host both major sporting events.

Graham Chipchase, chief executive, said: “The big sports events to be hosted in Brazil in the coming years are expected to have a positive effect on beverage consumption and accelerate sales. The major beverage manufacturers have already announced substantial investments for the coming years, including greenfield plants and improvements in production capacity to support the predicted higher demand.”

His comments were made as the group posted full-year profits of  £418 million and raised its dividend by 6%. Overall, sales reached £4.3 billion. 

The company also unveiled plans to invest £115 million over the next three years to build a new beverage can plant in Switzerland.

“We expect to make further progress in 2013 despite an  uncertain macroeconomic environment and continued cost pressures,” Mr Chipcase added.