Irn-Bru firm sees profits fizz

Irn-Bru maker AG Barr reported a 13% leap in annual profits today after a sparkling performance in the UK soft drinks market.

The Cumbernauld-based business – which also makes St Clements, Tizer and Rubicon fruit drinks – said like-for-like sales rose by more than 10% for the second year running, helping it deliver pre-tax profits of £31.6m in the year to January 29.

But AG Barr said the industry faced challenges over the year ahead, with soaring input costs and consumer caution adding to tough sales comparatives.