New figures show Irn-Bru maker AG Barr has seen its revenues soar by a third in the first half of 2024, thanks to acquisitions and solid sales growth.
The Scottish drinks giant reported a whopping 33% jump in revenues to £210.4 million, boosted by snapping up Boost Drinks in December 2022. Sales were also up 10.4% on a like-for-like basis.
Irn-Bru, the popular Scottish fizzy soft drink, often referred to as “Scotland’s other national drink” after whisky, has been produced by A.G. Barr at their facility in Westfield, Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, since the mid-1990s when the company relocated from its original factory in Parkhead, Glasgow. A second production site is located in Mansfield. While Irn-Bru is widely available across the UK, it is also sold internationally, particularly in areas with large Scottish communities.
The brand has maintained its status as Scotland’s top-selling soft drink, competing directly with global giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, thanks in part to its unique and sometimes provocative marketing campaigns. A long-standing association with Scottish identity is a key part of Irn-Bru’s appeal, encapsulated in the memorable slogan “Made in Scotland from girders,” used from the 1980s onward. These ads humorously depicted Irn-Bru drinkers gaining extraordinary strength, durability, or even magnetic properties, reinforcing the drink’s connection to Scottish culture and character.
AG Barr is listed on the London Stock Exchange and has a strong presence across the UK, making Irn-Bru one of the few soft drinks that is widely considered a national icon in Scotland.
Boss Roger White was upbeat, saying the company has “exciting plans” for the rest of the year and is on track to deliver profits at the top end of analyst expectations.
Investors are clearly liking the fizz – shares in AG Barr rose 2.1% to 494.9p on the news. Cheers to that!
