VIENNA: Austrian energy drink maker Red Bull said it posted record profits of 501 million euros ($559m) in 2015, an increase of 35 per cent, according to the economics magazine Trend.

The unlisted firm, which does not directly publish its figures, saw drink sales nudge up 6.1pc to 5.96 billion cans, its turnover rise 20pc to 3.2bn euros, and operating income soar by 90pc to 633.3m euros, according to Trend.

Red Bull’s bottom line was boosted by a cost-cutting programme and a weaker euro, the magazine reported.

Distributed in 169 countries, sales of the energy drink took off in several markets, including Turkey (up 25pc), South Africa and Saudi Arabia (19pc), India (18pc), Poland (18pc) and Germany (16pc).

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2016