Barr set for further growth

The firm’s can and plastic bottle production is reckoned set to rocket by nearly 40 per cent over the next year, in line with significant new sales growth - particularly in the English market.

Industry analysts say the firm’s ability to draw a line under the failed bid to merge with soft drinks giant Brivic has left it better able to focus on core developments.while chief executive Roger White says the company is now “stronger, fitter and more ambitious to develop.”

He says the firm is confident of its future, despite the need for prudent caution in challenging times, and that future growth is being underpinned by the performance of its brands.

Meanwhile 2013 saw the development of a new warehouse and canning plant in Milton Keynes,

The new plant will produce around 400 cans and 200 million bottles per year, with a plastic bottling line set to be added later.

Drinks produced at the new English facility include the company’s iconic flagship product, Barr’s Irn-Bru, and Rubicon.