AG Barr sees revenues fizz despite supply chain woes

Soft drink maker AG Barr has revealed sales growth was “constrained by supply chain issues” in the first half of 2026.

The Irn-Bru and Rubicon maker says the disruption to deliveries and reduced product availability on shelves lost the company around £10 million worth of revenue.

Bosses at the Cumbernauld-based company say the problems were partly internal matters linked to its “capability and capacity change programme”, as well as external problems linked to manufacturing by a third party.

However, they say “stock availability and customer service has normalised over the second half of the year”.

A spokesperson added: “With the majority of our Cumbernauld operational change programme having been completed, and with our Milton Keynes manufacturing upgrade firmly on track, we are confident we have a strong, stable and more efficient supply chain for the second half and beyond.”

Despite the issues, the business – which earlier this year bought Fentimans and Frobishers in a £50 million-plus double swoop – reported an 8.5 per cent increase in total revenues to £247.4 million for the six months to August 1.

Adjusted pre-tax profits increased by 2.6 per cent to £36.1 million for the half-year, with officials hailing the impact of Hexham-based ginger beer, lemonade, cola and dandelion and burdock maker Fentimans and fruit juice firm Frobishers.

They said the successful integration of the brands helped to offset the impact of investments into its operations and cost inflation linked to the Middle East, which was “not fully passed on to customers”.

Euan Sutherland, chief executive of AG Barr, which has further bases in London and Bolton, said: “We made strong progress against our priorities during the first half of the year, with continued momentum across our brands and strong execution against our growth drivers.

“Despite supply constraints impacting customer service in the peak summer months, our core brand portfolio performed well in the market, supported by successful rebrands, innovation and marketing.

“Our recent acquisitions have expanded our addressable market and investment in our manufacturing capabilities continues to significantly strengthen the business for the long term.”

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