Cott, a beverage company with focus on private-label and contract manufacturing, has reported $626m in revenue for the second quarter (Q2) ended 30 June 2012, a fall of 2%, compared to $640m for the second quarter of 2011.

During the quarter, gross profit as a percentage of revenue increased by 90 basis points to 14.7% from 13.8% in the second quarter of 2011.

This was primarily due to an increase in average price per case, exit from certain low gross margin business and continued operating efficiencies in North America and product mix in the UK.

Net income for the second quarter of 2012 was $25m, as compared to $27m during the previous year.

Filled beverage case volume was 240 million cases compared to 264 million cases.

Cott CEO Jerry Fowden said gross margin improved 260 basis points from the first quarter of 2012, reflecting the continued implementation of its 2012 strategy of gross margin restoration.

"Lower volume and revenue reflected a combination of this previously communicated shift in prioritizing margin restoration versus volume and revenue growth as well as poor weather in the UK," Fowden added.

Cott operates soft drink, juice, water and other beverage bottling facilities in the US, Canada, the UK and Mexico.

Product lines include carbonated soft drinks, clear, still and sparkling flavored waters, energy-related drinks, juice, juice-based products, bottled water and ready-to-drink teas.