International sales drive Pepsi

Pepsi snacks did well at home and abroad

Profits at Pepsico, the world's second largest drinks firm, have been boosted by a strong performance overseas.

Profits for 2006 jumped 38% to $5.64bn (£2.88bn) - or $3.34 a share, compared with $2.39 a year earlier.

The group said strong international snack sales, particularly in Turkey, Russia and Egypt, had helped offset weaker drink sales in the US.

Pepsico also said its focus on healthier options, such as water and orange juice, had helped lift sales.

Overall, the New York-based group added that carbonated drinks had suffered a single-digit decline, while other drinks increased in "strong double digits".

In the US, sales of its energy drink Gatorade fell, as did sales of Tropicana orange juice. However, a strong performance from its Frito-Lay crisps division helped offset weak demand for drinks.