Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based National Beverage Corp. reported results for the first half of its fiscal year 2018, achieving $500 million in revenues. Compared with the prior year, revenues grew 20 percent, the company says.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Nick A. Caporella said in a statement:

“National Beverage is creating operating performance that is astounding, and when a seasoned operator can innovate, develop and focus on all the variables necessary to achieve these results, it’s a standing ovation. If Warren wrote what I did, not a soul would utter a squeak of criticism.

“As I previously stated and [written] relative to our strong sustained performance, I sincerely believe that our record second quarter and six-month results more than certify that my statements were accurate. … Twelve consecutive quarters of revenue and earnings growth, the last 10 of which include double-digit net income increases. Add to that, expanding operating margins, leadership of a consumer revolution and one of the industry’s strongest balance sheets, and you have the formula for impressive, dynamic momentum.

“LaCroix not only leads the category … but defines the category. Despite the introduction of competitive look-alikes, LaCroix remains the clear leader in packaging/shelf marketing, taste and consumer loyalty. With the increasing shelf presence of both LaCroix and our Shasta Sparking Water SDA (soft drink alternative), we are in a unique position to convert multiple generations to lifelong consumers of our ‘healthy-hydration’ beverages.

“We are about to further the changing sparkling water protocols by introducing a revolutionary concept called ‘Shelf Demographics.’ No other brand of refreshments has dared to organize the shelf set to cater to the changing ethnic preferences of the local population. These consumers will certainly love this new shelf set … created especially for them.

“Our brand performance and mid-year numbers post a clear signal of things to come; we are on course for another record year,” Caporella concluded. BI