A.G. Barr has reported a 3% rise in sales to around £228 million for the first half of its financial year, with trading momentum picking up during Q2.

The drinks maker, whose portfolio includes Irn-Bru, Rubicon, Boost and FunKin, said Boost delivered strong double-digit growth, helping offset flatter performances from Irn-Bru and Rubicon.

Funkin also improved in Q2, with off-trade gains helping to balance tougher trading in the on-trade.

Operating margins rose to around 15%, up from 13% last year, thanks to better manufacturing efficiency and tight cost control.

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CEO Euan Sutherland said the business enters the second half “with strong momentum” and full-year expectations remain unchanged.

The company also confirmed the acquisition of a 50.1% stake in Innate-Essence, which is the owner of functional drinks brand The Turmeric Co, for £15m.

The deal aligns with A.G. Barr’s focus on health-focused, high-growth drinks. Looking ahead, A.G. Barr expects full-year results to be in line with expectations, with a stronger revenue performance in H2 and a planned step-up in marketing spend.