(CHARLOTTE) -- Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated earned $9.8 million in the third quarter of 2011. This is down down from $15.5 million during the same period last year.

The Charlotte-based company recorded net sales of $405.9 million during this latest third quarter, compared to net sale of $395.4 million for the third quarter of 2010.  Despite the marked improvement in third quarter sales, the company sites fuel increases and materials costs associated with aluminum as part of the reasons for a decline in profits.

“2011 has been a challenging year as the economy remains weak and commodity costs continue to increase at rates that exceed the rate of inflation," said J. Frank Harrison, III, Chairman and CEO. "Despite these challenges, we are pleased with our results in 2011 and remain focused on finding ways to bring value to our customers and grow profitably.”