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Fort Lauderdale based National Beverage Corp has reported its second quarter results. Revenues and earnings are firm at $144.4 and $6.5m for the three months ended 1 November 2008. Revenues and earnings for the six months ended 1 November 2008 are ahead of the comparable period at $297.3 and $14.2m, and cash grew to $64.2m.

"What could be written here about the pressures of the current business climate would be mild in comparison to the daily news," said Chairman and CEO, Nick A Caporella. “But, all that negative aside, we at National Beverage Corp are genuinely fortunate to be in the value recognised, flavoured soft drinks business at this time.

"Our core brands, Shasta and Faygo, do more than refresh consumers. Both of these brands provide a bit of stability and entertainment also ... kind of an uplifting association of trust ... and in these times, anything that promotes confidence is good!

"Retailers know that concerned consumers are reaching out for value, and we're experiencing increased sales in new distribution and steadfast retailers alike.

"Costs of certain raw materials were $5m more in the second quarter than the comparable period in the prior year.

"Our energy, juices and premium water product lines continue to perform well and, while the introduction of our NutraFizz line of powders and effervescent tablets was delayed, we're experiencing consumer excitement with these new products," concluded Caporella.

National Beverage’s brands include Shasta, Faygo, LaCroix and Rip It.