{"id":29020,"date":"2026-03-29T15:36:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T15:36:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=29020"},"modified":"2026-03-29T15:36:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T15:36:19","slug":"irn-bru-in-the-mix-as-markets-remain-volatile-daily-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=29020","title":{"rendered":"Irn-Bru in the mix as markets remain volatile \u2013 Daily Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Euan\"Euan
Euan Sutherland: sees benefits from recent acquisitions<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In a shortened trading week, two Scottish drinks firms will provide some further guidance against a weakening economic climate and volatility on equity and bond markets as the Gulf conflict shows no sign of ending.<\/p>\n

A February trading update from Irn-Bru maker AG Barr<\/strong> confirmed an in-line performance for the 2026 financial year characterised by double-digit profit growth amid a recovery in the UK soft drinks market.<\/p>\n

AJ Bell says the focus now is on the post year-end acquisitions of Fentimans and Frobishers, which give the group a foothold in the premium adult soft drinks market.<\/p>\n

CEO Euan Sutherland expects these acquisitions to drive meaningful financial benefits over the medium term, supporting Irn-Bru\u2019s \u2018double in size\u2019 ambition.<\/p>\n

A continuing shift towards premiumisation, with consumers willing to fork out more for natural ingredients should help to counter volume pressures from sugar taxes and increasing regulation.<\/p>\n

The<\/strong> Artisanal Spirits Company<\/strong>, owner of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), said in a January update that trading for the year ended 31 December was in line with expectations.<\/p>\n

There was an improved performance in the second half across key markets including the UK, Europe, USA, and China.<\/p>\n

The SMWS maintained 40,000 members with over 70% retention and recruited more than 11,000 members globally, while online bottle sales in Europe saw single-digit growth and UK venues experienced mid to high single-digit revenue growth.<\/p>\n

However, whisky distillers have been witnessing a downturn in demand and investors will be keen to see how the numbers are looking for the year ahead. Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman confirmed last week that they are engaged in merger talks.<\/p>\n

The Iran war has wiped roughly $7 trillion off global stocks since it ?erupted. Oil and gas prices ?are up ?nearly 70% and 85%, respectively year to date. Interest rates are heading up, rather than down.<\/p>\n

DIARY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monday 30 March<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Full year results from The Artisanal Spirts Company<\/strong> <\/li>\n
  • UK mortgage approvals<\/li>\n
  • EU consumer confidence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Tuesday 31 March<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Full year results from\u00a0AG Barr<\/strong><\/li>\n
    • UK GDP for Q4<\/li>\n
    • In the US, Q3 results from\u00a0Nike<\/strong><\/li>\n
    • US Job openings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Wednesday 1 April<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • UK S&P Global manufacturing PMI<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Thursday 2 April<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • US weekly jobless claims<\/li>\n
        • US trade balance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Friday 3 April<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \t <\/div>\n