Profits fizz at Iron-Bru maker

Irn-Bru maker AG Barr today reported a 20.8% jump in profits as consumers kept their taste for "Scotland's other national drink".

The Cumbernauld-based company - which also makes St Clements, Tizer and Rubicon fruit juice - posted underlying pre-tax profits of £27.9 million in the year to January 30.

Barr said it had "substantially outperformed the UK soft drinks market", with turnover up 18.7% to £201.4 million, while like-for-like sales grew 10.6%.

The firm added the new financial year had started well with sales ahead of 2009, but warned of challenges in the general economy and consumer outlook.