Weather dampens the fizz in AG Barr

Irn-Bru maker AG Barr said disruption caused by the snow and an increasingly competitive market slowed growth in its most recent quarter.

The Cumbernauld-based company, which also makes St Clements, Tizer and Rubicon fruit drinks, said sales in the three months to January 30 were up five per cent on last year. This represents a slowdown on the previous quarter when they increased 6.4 per cent and on the first half of the year when sales were up 14 per cent.

But it still expects like-for-like sales in the financial year to increase by about 10 per cent and said its profit margins will be in line with its expectations despite higher raw material costs.

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A bullish trading statement said the performance in the final quarter was "especially pleasing" given comparative sales a year ago, the disruption caused by the snow in December, and the high levels of promotions in retailers.

Irn-Bru put in a strong performance in its core market of Scotland and excellent growth in the north of England where the company focused more of its resources.