AG Barr acquires Fentimans and Frobishers to expand adult soft drinks portfolio
AG Barr strengthens its premium soft drinks portfolio with strategic acquisitions targeting the growing adult non-alcoholic market.
UK – UK soft drinks group AG Barr has confirmed the acquisition of premium brands Fentimans and Frobishers Juices in a deal valued at more than £50 million (US$63.5 million), marking a significant step in its expansions expansion strategy and focus on adult soft drinks.
The company acquired Hexham-based botanical brewery Fentimans for around £38 million (US$48.3 million), funding the transaction through a combination of cash and debt.
In a separate deal completed at the end of its financial year to January, AG Barr also purchased Devon-based juice producer Frobishers for £13 million (US$16.5 million).
AG Barr said the acquisitions align with shifting consumer preferences away from alcoholic beverages toward premium non-alcoholic alternatives. “Both brands operate in the adult soft drinks market, which is benefitting from the consumer trend of reduced alcohol consumption,” the company said in a statement.
Founded in 1905, family-owned Fentimans is best known for its botanically brewed soft drinks and mixers made with natural ingredients, including ginger beer, rose lemonade and curiosity cola.
Frobishers, established in 1969, operates in the premium fruit juice segment, offering juices, fusions, sparklers and presses across a broad range of flavours.
“These acquisitions reflect the execution of further meaningful and targeted mergers and acquisitions to elevate growth through broadening the brand portfolio while providing opportunities for cost synergies,” AG Barr added.
The deals come as the maker of Irn-Bru, Rubicon, Boost and Funkin reported a “strong” financial year, with higher sales and profitability.
The company said it is set to deliver a double-digit increase in annual profits after revenues rose 4% year-on-year to approximately £437 million (around US$555 million).
AG Barr noted that Irn-Bru delivered “modest growth” in the second half of the year after flat performance in the first half, while “a good performance” from Rubicon and Boost helped offset a decline in the Funkin ready-to-drink cocktail range.
Euan Sutherland, Chief Executive of AG Barr, said: “Our top and bottom-line performance for full-year 2025-26 is in line with expectations, and importantly we have laid strong foundations for future growth. We enter 2026-27 with good momentum in our core brands and from the introduction of exciting new products.”
The announcement follows confirmation that Irn-Bru will undergo a packaging refresh ahead of its 125th anniversary in 2026.
The brand will reintroduce its iconic ‘Made in Scotland from Girders’ strapline, drawing inspiration from 1988 designs while celebrating its industrial heritage with a modern update.
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