Latest news with #Irn-Bru
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Irn-Bru buys majority stake in former Wales striker's firm
The purchase of the majority stake in Innate-Essence is the latest diversification by Barr beyond its core fizzy drinks specialism, with Innate-Essence joining a portfolio which includes MOMA oat milk and Funkin, the cocktail puree and ready-to-drink brand. The Barr portfolio was also expanded with the acquisition of energy drinks Boost in a deal worth up to £32m in December 2022. However, the company took the decision to axe its Strathmore bottled water brand in March this year. It announced today that it has concluded the sale of the Strathmore brand and the Forfar production site to Ty Nant, 'negatively impacting revenue in the short-term but not profit'. A filing at Companies House shows that AG Barr chief executive Euan Sutherland and finance chief Stuart Lorimer were appointed directors of Innate-Essence earlier this month. Read more: Barr noted today that the deal for Innate-Essence was 'consistent with the company's strategy of acquisitions and innovation in high growth, health focused, functional beverage categories', adding: 'The investment has been funded from the company's net cash position. It is not expected to have a significant impact on revenue or profit in the current financial year.' The deal was announced as Barr signalled that it expects revenue to increase by around 3% to in the region of £228 million in the first half, with adjusted operating margin to be ahead of last year at 15% versus 13%. It anticipates the margin improvement will be driven by 'improved manufacturing efficiencies, ongoing benefits from our strategic business improvement initiatives and continued disciplined cost management'. Barr noted that momentum had increased as the period progressed, with several record volume weeks reported in the second quarter. It said brand performance was led by Boost, which delivered double-digit percentage growth. Sales of Irn-Bru and fruit juice brand Rubicon were flat in the first half, with a stronger performance in the second quarter, while growth in the off-trade for Funkin helped to mitigate challenges in the on-trade. Mulling the outlook, the company made no changes to its revenue and profit expectations for the full-year. Mr Sutherland said: "We are pleased to report continued revenue growth and strong profit growth in the first half of the financial year. Trading improved during H1, and we enter H2 with strong momentum and continued progress on margin improvement as our strategic initiatives continue to deliver. I am also excited about our expansion into the functional beverage segment working alongside Thomas Robson-Kanu and the Innate-Essence team. Our full year guidance remains unchanged and in line with market expectations." Analysts at Shore Capital reiterated their expectations for the company to deliver an adjusted pre-tax profit of £65m for the full year. Barr said: 'We have made excellent progress with operating margin during H1 and expect to deliver a full year result in line with expectations after taking into account a planned higher level of marketing activity in H2.' Shares in AG Barr closed down 2.16%, or 15p, at 680p.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Irn-Bru maker AG Barr buys health shots firm for £15m after selling Scottish business
'I am also excited about our expansion into the functional beverage segment' – Euan Sutherland, chief executive Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Irn-Bru maker AG Barr has spent £15 million snapping up a majority stake in a top brand in the 'functional shots' market after concluding the sale of the Strathmore bottled water business. The iconic soft drinks maker said it had acquired a 50.1 per cent equity stake in Innate-Essence, the home of The Turmeric Co, which is also behind a number of other speciality health drinks. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bosses said the move was consistent with the company's strategy of targeting 'acquisitions and innovation in high growth, health focused, functional beverage categories'. The deal has been funded from the group's cash funds. It is not expected to have a significant impact on revenue or profit in the current financial year, Barr added. AG Barr is best known as the maker of Irn-Bru, often referred to as 'Scotland's other national drink'. The firm has also concluded the sale of the Strathmore brand and the Forfar production site to Tŷ Nant, 'negatively impacting' revenue in the short-term but not profit. In March, Barr announced plans to 'discontinue' its Strathmore bottled water brand and seek a potential buyer. News of the Innate-Essence acquisition came as Cumbernauld-headquartered Barr issued a trading update, revealing that first-half revenue is expected to be in the region of £228m, up about 3 per cent on the year before. Overall, trading momentum increased as the first half progressed, with several record volume weeks in the second quarter. Brand revenue performance was led by Boost which delivered strong double-digit growth. Irn-Bru and Rubicon were flat in the half-year period, with a stronger performance in Q2. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The group's revenue and profit growth expectations for the full year are unchanged. Chief executive Euan Sutherland told investors: 'We are pleased to report continued revenue growth and strong profit growth in the first half of the financial year.
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Scots make their feelings about the visiting US President known with humour thrown in
When Trump arrived, if he had glanced at the Scottish newspaper the National, he might have noticed its not-so-subtle front page: 'Convicted US felon to arrive in Scotland'. Hundreds of anti-Trump protesters poured onto the streets of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dumfries. Further protests are planned in Aberdeenshire tomorrow. During the rallies, several signs carried messages with unmistakable Scottish flair. One protester, who was playing bagpipes, carried a sign that read: 'Pipe down Donald'. Several people held up signs proclaiming, 'Nae Trump' - a Scots phrase that simply means 'No Trump' - or that referred to Trump as a 'radge', local slang for a wild, crazy or violent person. Several signs spoofed pop culture or paid homage to Scottish icons. Some children were photographed with signs that read, 'Keep orange fizzy, not fascist', with a logo of Irn-Bru, a popular Scottish soft drink. Many referenced the late Scottish comedian Janey Godley, who famously held up an anti-Trump sign with a not-quite-rhyming expletive. 'Janey was right,' read more than one sign. Those blocked from accessing Trump's Turnberry course took their creativity to the coast, where they wrote messages in the sand, including 'Get Trump Out' and 'Free Palestine'. 'We are creative with our protests, but there is really a deeply felt kind of revulsion to the politics of Trump,' said Alena Ivanova, 37, a lead organiser at a rally in Aberdeen, which was co-ordinated by a group called the Stop Trump Coalition. The group advocates on issues such as climate change, migrants' rights, and Palestinian solidarity. More than 1000 protesters gathered outside the US Consulate in Edinburgh to let Trump know he was not welcome. Jack Nevin, who organised the Edinburgh event, said that the nation's thorny relationship with the President was summed up in a sign that said: 'Scotland hated Trump before it was cool'. The Trump organisation has stirred controversy in Scotland over its golf courses for more than a decade, and this weekend's visit rekindled those tensions. Some staples of Trump protests were visible amid the local colour. Some demonstrators waved pictures of Trump with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison, and at least one woman wore a Handmaid's Tale costume, which women have donned to protest against Republican positions on abortion and other reproductive issues. Trump was similarly greeted with demonstrations when he came to Scotland during his first term. Then, thousands marched through the streets of Edinburgh and the now-famous 'Trump baby blimp' floated around the city. This past weekend the crowds have been far smaller, and there were no giant inflatables. Trump does have support in parts of Scotland, including in Turnberry on the west coast, where he is seen to have helped the local economy. According to the Scotsman newspaper, Trump was seen blowing kisses to a handful of fans who shouted, 'We love you, Trump'. But other locals, including those in Aberdeenshire, in the east, are bitter over what they say are broken promises and environmental degradation. Activists placed a 'twinned with Epstein island' sign next to the main welcome sign at the course. Overall, Scots remain cool on Trump. An Ipsos survey published in March found that 71% of Scots hold an unfavourable opinion of him. Scotland is a Trump ancestral home. His mother, who married Fred Trump in 1936, was born on the Isle of Lewis. During this trip, the President was expected to open a new golf course in her honour. Even on Lewis, views are mixed. A banner reading 'Shame on you, Donald John' is currently make its away around the island, displayed at homes and private properties. 'Donald John' is a common name on the island, according to the banner's creator, Sarah Grussing. In an email, Grussing explained that the wording was chosen 'as the sort of admonishment a family member would give a child that was not living up to community values'. Asked what the people on Lewis think of Trump, Alasdair Allan, a member of the Scottish Parliament who represents the region, gave a characteristically Scottish reply. 'I can't speak for everyone in Lewis, and there will be a mixture of views here, as everywhere,' Allan said. 'However, I personally suspect that most people here will see in Mr Trump a distinct lack of those characteristics which people in Scotland's islands value particularly highly: modesty, self-deprecation, compassion, a hesitation in which to allow thinking before speaking, neighbourliness, self-awareness and a sense of humour.'
The Herald Scotland
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Scots artist develops cosmic ray instrument for Fringe show
Special performances involving Scottish musicians Kathryn Joseph and King Creosote will take place on August 3rd and August 5th, respectively. The particles, known as muons, are used to generate in-depth 3D pictures of structural interiors, which helps researchers see inside dense materials, such as the pyramids of Giza. Artist Lomond Campbell helped design the machine. (Image: Glasgow University) Mahon said: 'Working with Lomond to expand the scope of that research, generating sound alongside images while he plays along with cosmic rays, has been a fantastic experience. 'I'm looking forward to seeing how audiences engage with the Muonophone during the performances and the installation during the month of August.' The series of live performances (entitled MŮO) featuring the muonophone's audiovisual output will be held at Edinburgh's French Institute during the month of August. After the performances conclude, the French Institute will continue to host the muonophone until the 25th of August, giving visitors the chance to see the instrument for themselves. Several events funded by the Institute of Physics in Scotland will also be held, where PhD students from the University of Edinburgh and Glasgow will discuss the science of muons with visitors. Tickets to the live show cost £10, while concessions are £8 and family tickets cost £6. Singer King Creosote is among the guests at the performance series. (Image: free) A statement on Campbell's website reads: 'Using muon detectors, MŮO captures cosmic radiation from deep space, transforming it into reactive sound and entrancing live visuals. 'Performing with his one-of-a-kind handmade instrument, the Muonophone, Lomond creates a constantly evolving sonic landscape, joined by special musical guests throughout the festival. 'Blending art, science and sound in a way you've never seen before, MŮO is a cosmic journey not to be missed.' Muons are generated when cosmic rays collide with the Earth's atmosphere and break apart. Special devices known as muon detectors pick up the presence of the particles as they pass through various materials. The Muonophone reacts to the detection of muons by triggering 'pre-prepared sound and visualisations.' As cosmic rays from 'deep space' shape the muonophone's outputs, Campbell will play live keyboard parts to accompany the machine's soundscapes. Read more: Why does everyone seem to hate Maggie Chapman? 'Long overdue': Scottish young people weigh in on lowering of voting age Smoked salmon, Irn-Bru bhajis and micro herbs: What's on the menu at Bute House? Dr Mahon, of the University of Glasgow's School of Physics & Astronomy, noted: 'I've been working on muon-related research at the University for more than 15 years now, finding new ways to harness cosmic rays to see inside objects. 'A University spinout company, called Lynkeos Technology, is now using muography to provide industry with detailed 3D images of the interiors of structures which are impossible to create using other methods.' Campbell added: 'When approached by The University of Glasgow to work with their muon detecting technology I jumped on it. There is a score being constantly written by the nuclear activity of the cosmos and with muon detectors we can listen in to that and then interpret it sonically and visually. 'I find that whole concept stirring and want MŮO to instil that same sense of wonder in people who come to experience the live performances and the installation. 'What began as an idea to make an instrument called The Muonophone, has grown into a fully immersive audiovisual experience called MŮO, thanks to support from Made In Scotland, Sonica Glasgow and The French Institute.' According to the National Institutes of Health in the United States, muography has a range of uses, including in the fields of geoscience, nuclear safety and security, and civil engineering and archaeology. Muons have been used to explore the interior of the of the most well-known applications of muography is the ScanPyramids project, which has mapped the inside of the Egyptian pyramids, and led to the discovery of several 'plane-sized' voids within the 4500-year-old structures in 2018. At the time, Mehdi Tayoubi, ScanPyramids project co-founder and president of the Heritage Innovation Preservation Institute, told The Independent: 'It could be composed of one or several structures, maybe it could be another Grand Gallery. It could be a chamber, it could be a lot of things. It was hidden, I think, since the construction of the pyramid.' The rays can also be used to image the inside of volcanoes, nuclear storage facilities, and blast furnaces - and now power musical instruments at the Edinburgh Fringe.
The Herald Scotland
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Tories slam SNP over A96 dualling - as repair bill revealed
Repairs totalled £14.9m in 2023/24, £11.8m in 2022/23 and £13.4m in 2021/22; up from £7.7 in 2020/21. The Scottish Government had announced plans to upgrade the A96 in 2016, promising to convert the 102 mile road into a dual carriageway by 2030. However, the £3b commitment was rowed back last year, as Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop blamed austerity from the UK Government and a lengthy review of the project for delays. Douglas Lumsden has criticised the delay. (Image: Conor McAuley) North East Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden has slammed the government over the 'eye-watering' figures, which he said demonstrated that the A96 'is not fit for the 21st century'. Mr Lumsden added: 'After decades of neglect by the SNP, it's no surprise that repair costs are soaring each year as the road falls into a state of disrepair. 'This is the tragic reality of the dangers the road poses, yet the transport minister continues to kick the prospect of fully dualling the road into the long grass, despite the SNP's promise 14 years ago. Mr Lumsden went on to call on Ms Hyslop to 'stop this nonsense" and 'commit to the full upgrade, once and for all, before parliament resumes. 'The Scottish Government's failure to properly improve the A96 betrays local communities, undermines the North East's future connectivity and endangers lives,' he said. 'Rather than spending endless sums patching up the A96, the SNP must prioritise dualling the road as a matter of urgency.' In a Transport Scotland statement, a spokesperson said the nation's motorway and trunk road network was the Scottish Government's 'single biggest asset' - and that £714m was set to be spent in 2025/26, despite a decrease in capital project funding from the UK Government. The spokesperson added: 'We have continued to invest in the maintenance of all trunk roads, including the A96, in order to ensure the continued safe and effective operation of the network that road users rely upon. These costs also include repairs and recovery from storm damage, which are on the increase. Read more: Why does everyone seem to hate Maggie Chapman? 'Long overdue': Scottish young people weigh in on lowering of voting age Smoked salmon, Irn-Bru bhajis and micro herbs: What's on the menu at Bute House? 'Our current favoured position is to fully dual the A96 and we are already starting the dualling process from Inverness to Nairn, including a Nairn Bypass, having acquired the land for the scheme earlier this year. "We continue to progress the work to determine the most suitable procurement option for delivering this scheme and thereafter a timetable for progress can then be set in line with available budgets." The spokesperson noted that the [[Scottish Government]] had agreed to carry out a review of the A96 corridor as part of the Bute House Agreement, as their erstwhile partners in government, the Scottish Greens, were opposed to the road's dualling. An ensuing consultation received more than 1,400 responses from communities and businesses along the A96. 76% of respondents were 'dissatisfied' or 'very dissatisfied' with the draft outcomes of Transport Scotland's review, which recommended that the road not be dualled in its entirety. 'Any decision on the way ahead for the A96 corridor will need to take into consideration the UK Government's recent Spending Review and its impact on Scottish Budgets,' the spokesperson said, 'as well as the forthcoming update to the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan, expected later this year.' Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing left the SNP in part over the dualling delays. (Image: PA) Longtime Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing left the [[SNP]] earlier this year in a row over the government's lack of progress in dualling the road. He will stand as an independent candidate in 2026. Writing in the [[Inverness]] Courier in March, he said: 'It's not good enough that both governments have these great plans and ambitions for renewables, mostly to be delivered in the north and north east, but they do not match them with commensurate investment in our transport and public services. 'We here are expected to do the work, to create the development, and the impacts of pylons and turbines, but are not to get the assistance to upgrade our roads, schools, GP practices, Raigmore, or indeed the rail services about which we are getting many more complaints of late. 'Now, near on £100 million has been, or will shortly be, spent on the A96 and not one inch of tarmac laid.'
