Coca Cola HBC, the Athens-based anchor bottler of Coca Cola in 23 countries including Ireland and which is headed by Irishman Mr Irial Finan, produced 310 million cases of Coca Cola beverages in the third quarter, a 11 per cent increase on the same period last year.

Earnings before interest, tax and depreciation increased 19 per cent in the third quarter and EBITDA of €426 million in the nine months to the end of September were 13 per cent ahead. Net profits year to date were €38 million compared to breakeven in 2000.