A.G. Barr has posted half-year sales growth of 5% as its chief executive hailed its soft drinks power brands for leading the performance.

For the 26 weeks to 27 July 2024, the FMCG giant saw soft drinks growth of 7%, driven by Rubicon which experienced success in marketing and distribution, and delivered double digit sales growth.

While Irn-Bru’s sales were also up following a rise in volume and continued market share gains, A.G. Barr’s cocktail solutions division, Funkin, experienced difficulties with its can production and ongoing challenges in the hospitality sector which offset its strong off-trade growth.

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The drink manufacturer said sales for the first half of the 2024 financial year are expected to hit £221m, up from £210.4m last year.

A.G. Barr chief executive Euan Sutherland said: “The strategic margin rebuild programmes are on plan, guidance on revenue and margin remains unchanged, and we are on track to meet FY expectations.

“Our four power brands – Irn-Bru, Rubicon, Boost and Funkin – have clear paths to long term growth, supported by strong innovation programmes across all of our portfolio and opportunities to work even more closely to add value to our customers, in all channels.

“We continue to invest in A.G. Barr’s supply chain which will deliver tangible benefits as we insource more of our volume, build capacity to support our growth plans, improve resilience and enhance our margins. We have a clear and focussed UK based growth strategy with simple KPIs of net revenue, operating margin and ROCE.”