Britvic, a UK-based soft drinks manufacturer, has signed a 15-year manufacturing and distribution contract with PepsiCo Americas Beverages.

The deal forms part of the company’s move to expand Fruit Shoot brand in the US.

As per the agreed terms, PepsiCo will launch Fruit Shoot across 41 states in 2014, while it is being distributed in 32 states in the country.

Britvic has reported 18.8% rise in operating profit to $218m for the year ended 29 September 2013, when compared with the previous year.

The soft drinks producer has witnessed EBITA growth of 18.4% to £137.9m with a 120bps improvement in margin.

Britvic chief executive officer Simon Litherland said that the company has grown revenue and price in all of its business units and gained market value share, resulting in operating profit growth in excess of 18%.

"Today’s announcement of a new agreement with PepsiCo Americas Beverages (PAB) for significant additional expansion in the USA is further evidence of the growth opportunities that exist for our brands internationally," added Litherland.

Britvic has launched FruitShoot in Spain, in order to expand its presence in Europe and plans to expand into India in mid-2014, reported Reuters.

Britvic manufactures, markets, and distributes soft drinks in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, and France. It offers soft drinks primarily under the Robinsons, Tango, J2O, Drench, MiWadi, Ballygowan, Teisseire, Fruité, Club, and Pressade brand names.