Changes in the bottling and distribution arrangements for the soft drink brand 7-Up and the Schweppes range of mixers should lead to new jobs at Cantrell and Cochrane (C&C) plants in Dublin and Cork early next year.

C&C is to take over the manufacturing and distribution rights for 7Up and Diet 7-up in the Irish market from January 1st, 2001. These rights are currently held by Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland, whose agreement with Pepsi Cola is ending some 14 months early.

At the same time Coca-Cola Bottlers will take over the bottling and distribution of the Schweppes brands in Ireland from C&C.

C&C managing director Mr Tony O'Brien said the changes followed the international acquisition of Schweppes by Coca-Cola some months ago. C&C already holds the bottling rights for the Pepsi Cola portfolio of brands in Ireland. 7-Up had an annual turnover of around £30 million (#38.1 million), compared with about £12 million for the Schweppes mixer brands, he said. The deal would mean that C&C would take the number one position in the soft drinks market from Coca-Cola, he maintained. The increased volume of manufacturing, bottling and distribution will mean 50 to 60 new jobs at the C&C plants, he forecast.

A spokesman for Coca-Cola Bottlers said it was too early to say what effect the changes would have on its operations. It employs 550 to 560 people in the Republic and 440 people in Northern Ireland.