Launch of IRN-BRU 'ZERO'

Barr(A.G.) PLC

23 March 2026

 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                          23 March 2026

RNS Reach

A.G. BARR plc

("A.G. BARR" or "the Company")

Launch of IRN-BRU 'ZERO'

Rebranding and expanded distribution to help drive sales across the UK

A.G. BARR, the multi-beverage business with a broad portfolio of market-leading UK brands including IRN-BRU, Rubicon and Boost, is pleased to announce the formal launch commenced last week of its rebranded and refreshed IRN-BRU 'ZERO' product.

IRN-BRU 'ZERO' has been rebranded from IRN-BRU 'XTRA' to better communicate its zero sugar proposition, with a refreshed new look highlighting IRN-BRU's iconic strongman insignia and 'Made in Scotland from Girders' strapline. 

The launch is being supported by expanded distribution and availability across the UK, and UK-wide advertising and social media campaigns. These campaigns are designed to reach 86% of UK adults seven separate times.

Low-calorie carbonates currently account for 50% of category sales and are growing faster than higher-calorie equivalents¹. The clearer 'ZERO' positioning and wider availability strengthen A.G. BARR's ability to drive sales across the UK.

Rebranding and expanded distribution are key components of A.G. BARR's strategic growth drivers outlined last year, with a series of new product launches being delivered from January 2026 supported by channel expansion initiatives.

IRN-BRU, the UK's third biggest flavoured carbonates brand¹, celebrates its 125^th anniversary this year. The now renamed IRN-BRU 'ZERO' product accounts for approximately 20% of IRN-BRU annual sales, with other products including Regular, Diet and IRN-BRU 1901. This rebranding is the first in the product's 10 year history, and the hugely loved liquid remains completely unchanged with the same extra IRN-BRU taste.

Kenny Nicholson, IRN-BRU Brand Director at A.G. BARR, commented:

"As we enter our 125th year of IRN-BRU, we are refreshing the way IRN-BRU shows up on the shelf by amplifying the iconic elements people know and love. The new IRN-BRU 'ZERO' design and rebranding performed strongly in consumer testing, with research indicating an increase in purchase intent from non-drinkers of the brand, and we are excited about driving sales supported by our UK-wide campaign and expanded distribution."

Please see the bottom of this release for relevant imagery.

¹Source: Circana, Value Sales, 52 W/E to 28/02/26    

For further information, please contact:

A.G. BARR                                                                                                           MHP GROUP

0330 390 3900                                                                                                        07801 894 577

[e-mail]                                                                                                      [e-mail]

Euan Sutherland, Chief Executive Officer                                                             Oliver Hughes

Stuart Lorimer, Chief Finance and Operating Officer                                            Rachel Farrington

Ewan Dytch, Corporate Finance Director                                                              Catherine Chapman

About A.G. BARR:

A.G. BARR (LSE: BAG, FTSE250) is a UK-based branded multi-beverage business with a diverse and differentiated portfolio of 16 brands, including IRN-BRU, Rubicon and Boost. Established 150 years ago in Scotland, the Company now operates across the UK, and with export markets throughout the world. A.G. BARR is committed to being a brand owner and builder, with the ambition of doubling the business over the medium term through a flywheel of consistent growth.

https://www.agbarr.co.uk/

 

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