AG Barr reported an 8.5 percent increase in revenue for the six months ending August 1, reaching £247 million, driven in part by acquisitions made earlier in the year. The soft drinks company completed its purchases of Fentimans, known for premium soft beverages, for £38 million, and the fruit juice producer Frobishers for £13 million in February. These acquisitions contributed to the group's sales growth, although the company noted it lost approximately £10 million in potential revenue due to stocking challenges.
Core brands including Irn-Bru and Rubicon delivered strong performances during the period, supported by new product launches and heightened consumer engagement linked to the World Cup. Despite the rise in revenue, AG Barr’s pre-tax profit fell by 3.7 percent to £33.9 million, a decline attributed largely to costs associated with integrating the newly acquired companies.
The board declared an interim dividend increase of 11 percent, raising the payout to 3.82 pence per share. This move reflects the company’s confidence in its ongoing financial position amid a competitive soft drinks market and the expenses tied to expanding its brand portfolio.
