Irn-Bru in the mix as markets remain volatile – Daily Business
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Euan Sutherland: sees benefits from recent acquisitions
In a shortened trading week, two Scottish drinks firms will provide some further guidance against a weakening economic climate and volatility on equity and bond markets as the Gulf conflict shows no sign of ending.
A February trading update from Irn-Bru maker AG Barr confirmed an in-line performance for the 2026 financial year characterised by double-digit profit growth amid a recovery in the UK soft drinks market.
AJ Bell says the focus now is on the post year-end acquisitions of Fentimans and Frobishers, which give the group a foothold in the premium adult soft drinks market.
CEO Euan Sutherland expects these acquisitions to drive meaningful financial benefits over the medium term, supporting Irn-Bru’s ‘double in size’ ambition.
A continuing shift towards premiumisation, with consumers willing to fork out more for natural ingredients should help to counter volume pressures from sugar taxes and increasing regulation.
The Artisanal Spirits Company, owner of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), said in a January update that trading for the year ended 31 December was in line with expectations.
There was an improved performance in the second half across key markets including the UK, Europe, USA, and China.
The SMWS maintained 40,000 members with over 70% retention and recruited more than 11,000 members globally, while online bottle sales in Europe saw single-digit growth and UK venues experienced mid to high single-digit revenue growth.
However, whisky distillers have been witnessing a downturn in demand and investors will be keen to see how the numbers are looking for the year ahead. Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman confirmed last week that they are engaged in merger talks.
The Iran war has wiped roughly $7 trillion off global stocks since it erupted. Oil and gas prices are up nearly 70% and 85%, respectively year to date. Interest rates are heading up, rather than down.
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