<\/p>\n
Euan Sutherland: sees benefits from recent acquisitions<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
CEO Euan Sutherland expects these acquisitions to drive meaningful financial benefits over the medium term, supporting Irn-Bru\u2019s \u2018double in size\u2019 ambition.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
There was an improved performance in the second half across key markets including the UK, Europe, USA, and China.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Iran war has wiped roughly $7 trillion off global stocks since it \u200cerupted. Oil and gas prices \u2060are up \u2060nearly 70% and 85%, respectively year to date. Interest rates are heading up, rather than down.<\/p>\n
DIARY<\/p>\n
Monday 30 March<\/p>\n
Full year results from The Artisanal Spirts Company <\/p>\n
UK mortgage approvals<\/p>\n
EU consumer confidence<\/p>\n
Tuesday 31 March<\/p>\n
Full year results from\u00a0AG Barr<\/p>\n
UK GDP for Q4<\/p>\n
In the US, Q3 results from\u00a0Nike<\/p>\n
US Job openings<\/p>\n
Wednesday 1 April<\/p>\n
UK S&P Global manufacturing PMI<\/p>\n
Thursday 2 April<\/p>\n
US weekly jobless claims<\/p>\n
US trade balance<\/p>\n
Friday 3 April<\/p>\n
\t #IrnBru #mix #markets #remain #volatile #Daily #Business<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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