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Food & drink

AG Barr delivers profit growth and snaps up Fentimans and Frobishers

AG Barr posted double-digit profit growth for the past year and announced two acquisitions to bolster its drinks portfolio.

The maker of IRN-BRU, Rubicon and Boost has bought Frobishers, a premium juice brand, for £13 million near the period end, and has completed the £38 million purchase of Fentimans, known for its posh ginger beer and other premium soft drinks, this week.

Chief executive Euan Sutherland said it was part of the group's strategy of enhancing organic growth. "The synergies associated with these acquisitions are expected to drive meaningful accretion over the medium term."

The FTSE 250 group also revealed that revenues rose roughly 4% to £437 million in the year to 31 January, which was in line with City expectations.

Adjusted operating margin expanded to 14.7% from 13.6%, helped by efficiency initiatives and investment in its supply chain.

Marketing spend helped lift IRN-BRU sales modestly in the second half after a flat start to the year. Rubicon and Boost performed well, though Funkin declined.

The company said it started ramping-up new product launches last month and is making ongoing investment in manufacturing capacity.

“We enter 2026 with good momentum in our core brands and from the introduction of exciting new products,” said Sutherland.

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