AG Barr reported an 8.5 percent increase in sales for the half-year period ending August 1, reaching £247 million, supported by recent acquisitions and an expanded product portfolio. The Cumbernauld-based soft drinks manufacturer has broadened its range beyond its flagship brand Irn-Bru, incorporating products such as Rubicon juices, MOMA oat-based beverages, Boost energy drinks, and more recently, premium mixers Fentimans and Frobishers.

Adjusted pre-tax profit for the period rose by 2.6 percent to £36.1 million. At the close of the half-year, the group held net bank debt of £47 million. Despite the positive financial performance and successful expansion into premium soft drinks, the company’s shares remained close to a 12-month low.

AG Barr’s recent acquisitions reflect a strategic move to diversify away from its traditional core products and capture growth in emerging beverage categories. The integration and optimization of these new product lines will likely be a key focus for the company moving forward, as it seeks to maximize returns from its broadened portfolio.