PERTHSHIRE mineral water producer Highland Spring has revealed that its annual turnover last year exceeded £100 million for the first time in the company’s history.

Posting the group’s annual results for the year ending December 31, 2014, chief executive Les Montgomery said: “After adjustment for an historic VAT issue, the group’s underlying operating profit increased from £3.1m in 2013 to £3.9m in 2014.

”“The company showed a strong sales performance, with sales turnover exceeding £100m for the first time in the group’s history. This represented a significant milestone that was celebrated with all staff during the year.

"The bottled water category continues to grow as consumers increasingly make healthier drinking choices against the ongoing negative publicity around sugary soft drinks. This long-term consumer trend is set to continue to our advantage

.“2015 has also been shaping up extremely well despite the disappointing summer weather. Our ongoing partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) continues to perform well, with the recent Davis Cup coverage showcasing Highland Spring to a global audience and highlighting the importance of healthy hydration.

“Our long-term business strategy remains firmly focused on continuing to be the UK’s leading supplier of natural sourced waters, as well as developing our product portfolio including private label business in plain and flavoured waters

.“We can also confirm that HSBC remains our banking partner. Its support for our business strategy will enable us to deliver our five year investment programme across people, bottling facilities and product portfolio, most notably increasing investment in the Highland Spring brand.

“We will continue to invest profits back into the business to ensure long-term sustainable growth and are currently looking at options to increase the capacity at our main Blackford site by 50 per cent.”