Irn-Bru maker loses its fizz in lockdown as sales suffer

AG Barr saw a 12% decline between April and June, compared to the same period last year.

The maker of Irn-Bru has suffered a revenue hit during the coronavirus crisis.

AG Barr, which also produces Rubicon, saw a 12% decline between April and June, compared to the same period last year.

Revenue for a 26-week spell, which ended on July 25, is expected to be around £113m – an 8% decline on 2019.

The drinks company said it “entered a period of significant trading volatility” after the country went into lockdown on March 23.

After initial stockpiling, the firm noticed a shift towards larger, less frequent take-home purchasing.

It also said it was “exposed to the complete closure of the hospitality sector”, with pubs and restaurants closing their doors for months on end.

During the easing of lockdown, with Scotland now in phase three of its lifting of restrictions, AG Barr has said sales in hospitality and ‘on the go’ consumption are beginning to slowly recover.

Roger White, chief executive officer, said: “I am incredibly proud of how our teams across the business have responded to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“These have been difficult times for everyone however, despite the challenging environment, we have maintained our quality and service standards, thanks to the dedication and adaptability of our people.

“We are a profitable and cash generative business in a robust drinks sector and I am confident that our business will continue to prove its resilience for the balance of the year and beyond.”

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