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Increased sales of energy drinks and bottled water helped the National Beverage Corp, the fifth biggest US soft drinks producer, rise above high raw material costs and slack CSD sales in the third quarter of the company’s current fiscal year, ended 26 January.

National Beverages’ total revenue for the quarter grew 5% to $123.2 million, with operating income up 13% to $4.9 million. The Florida-based company’s net income rose 7% to $3.3 million or $0.07 per share.

“Led by our Rip It energy drinks and LaCroix water brands, the continued volume gains of higher-margin products allowed us to overcome significant cost pressures and softness in the carbonated soft drink market in what is traditionally our weakest quarter,” said Nick Caporella, Chairman and CEO of National Beverage.

“On an operating basis, this was one of our best third quarters ever, with the Everfresh/Mr Pure juice lines also reporting solid growth.”

Caporella added that the company’s most recent launches had been well received by the market: “We're pleased with the initial response to our newest functional products, the Asante line of enhanced waters. Fortified with vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, Asante will provide consumers superior flavour and lower calories at a value price.”