Owner of Irn-Bru increases drink prices due to inflation

The price of drinks including Irn-Bru and Rockstar have increased due to inflation, the company behind the beverages has indicated.

AG Barr bosses pointed to rising costs for raw materials including packaging and energy bills leading to cost-cutting measures.

The company said that they have “adjusted our pricing with customers where appropriate”.

Profits at AG Barr are likely to be ahead of expectations, the firm has reported.

In the 12 months to the end of January sales are expected to be £267m – up 17.5% compared with the previous year – beating the pre-pandemic period, when sales hit £255.7m.

Bosses said this was despite the recent trading restrictions due to the Omicron variant of Covid-19 which saw pubs, bars and restaurants closed.

The company said: “While Government restrictions have impacted consumer behaviour across the year, both our Barr Soft Drinks and Funkin business units have traded well, particularly during the periods when restrictions were eased.”

Inflation remains problematic for the brand and the company said it will “seek opportunities across the coming year to offset the impact on our business”.

Chief executive Roger White said: “We have remained fully operational throughout the year, producing high-quality products and providing strong business support to all of our customers.

“We have delivered an excellent financial performance against a volatile backdrop, whilst at the same time delivering on our strategic priorities.”