Dozens of jobs at risk as well-known Scottish drinks brand to close down

A WELL-KNOWN Scottish drinks brand is set to disappear from shelves – putting two dozen jobs at risk, owners have confirmed.

In a statement on Tuesday, Scottish drinks giant AG Barr – which is perhaps best known for producing Irn-Bru and Rubicon – said that its Strathmore brand was no longer “sustainable”. 

The news puts 23 jobs at a production site in Forfar at risk of redundancy, the firm said.

Strathmore water will disappear from shelves later this year (Image: NQ) “We have announced a proposal with our Strathmore water colleagues in Forfar which could see the closure of the site and 23 roles becoming redundant," an AG Barr statement said. 

“The Strathmore brand has struggled to compete in recent years, and we believe we have now reached a point where the Forfar site is no longer sustainable. 

“The proposals are subject to consultation, and we intend to fully support our employees through this period of change.”

Overall on Tuesday however, AG Barr recorded a 15.8% rise in adjusted pre-tax profit, reaching £58.5 million for the year ending January 25, 2025.

The firm said it had seen growth of 4.6% in soft drinks volume, with strong performances from Rubicon and Irn-Bru helping boost revenues to £420.4m – up from £400m last year.

Mairi Gougeon, the Rural Affairs Secretary and MSP for Angus North and Mearns, said she had written to AG Barr raising concerns about the planned closures considering the firm's otherwise strong performance.

Euan Sutherland, AG Barr chief executive (below), said: “2024/25 was a successful year for the company. I would like to take the opportunity to thank my colleagues across the business who delivered these excellent financial results.   

(Image: AG Barr) “Looking forward, we have a refreshed strategy centred on growth and are committed to our long-term financial targets.  

“I am confident that successful execution of our plans will see another year of positive progress towards our long-term goals.”

Zoe Gillespie, investment manager at wealth management firm RBC Brewin Dolphin, said: “AG Barr continues to pop, with another strong set of results.

“Revenues and profits are on the rise, despite a challenging economic backdrop, and many of its brands are growing ahead of the market.

“The discontinuation of the Strathmore water brand is unlikely to have a material impact on the company and, with plenty of cash in the bank and an appetite for acquisitions, it seems that another strategic move could be in the offing in the not-too-distant future.”