Irn-Bru maker AG Barr says supply chain chaos cost the firm £10m in sales but vows stronger second half

From the Newshound archive · first published 29 September 2026.

AG Barr, maker of Irn-Bru and Rubicon, lost around £10 million in revenue after supply chain failures left shelves short during peak summer months. The Cumbernauld-based firm blamed both internal problems with its capability programme and a third-party manufacturing bottleneck. Despite the hit, total revenues still climbed 8.5% to £247.4 million for the six months to August 1, with newly acquired brands Fentimans and Frobishers helping plug the gap. Chief executive Euan Sutherland insisted supply has now normalised and said the firm remains on track to hit its full-year targets.

Adjusted pre-tax profits still rose 2.6% to £36.1 million despite the disruption and cost inflation linked to the Middle East.

AG Barr expects HIGHER percentage growth in both revenue and profit in the second half than in the first.

The firm is bringing more production in-house to reduce reliance on third-party manufacturers and prevent a repeat.