Irn‑Bru owner AG Barr has bought premium soft‑drink makers Fentimans and Frobishers in transactions worth just over £50m, expanding its presence in the fast‑growing “adult” soft drinks category as consumers cut back on alcohol.
The Cumbernauld‑based group said it completed the acquisition of Fentimans on 2 February for around £38m, funded with a mix of cash and debt, and closed the purchase of Devon‑based Frobishers for £13m toward the end of its financial year to 31 January. Both brands will be integrated into AG Barr’s portfolio — which includes Irn‑Bru, Rubicon, Boost and Funkin — during the new financial year.
Chief Executive Euan Sutherland said the deals align with Barr’s strategy to enhance organic growth with targeted M&A and tap demand for premium non‑alcoholic options. “Both brands operate in the attractive adult soft drinks market, which is benefitting from the consumer trend of reduced alcohol consumption,” the company noted.
The announcement came alongside a trading update pointing to a “strong” FY2025/26: revenue up 4% to around £437m and adjusted operating margin at 14.7% (up 1.1%), supported by supply‑chain investments and efficiency initiatives. Management said this leaves the group on track for double‑digit profit growth.
Analysts broadly welcomed the move. Shore Capital described Fentimans and Frobishers as “positive contributors to an already strong Barr portfolio,” arguing the additions deepen Barr’s exposure to premium soft drinks as one‑quarter of UK adults now report being teetotal. AJ Bell added that the deals capitalise on the longer‑term shift towards “posh soft drinks” outside Dry January.
