AG Barr proposes 37 job cuts at Fentimans
Scottish soft drinks giant AG Barr is considering 37 redundancies at Fentimans, just two months after buying the mixer brand.
AG Barr, which owns Funkin Cocktails and Irn-Bru, purchased UK-based mixer producer Fentimans for £38 million (US$52m) in January 2026.
However, the new parent company is now considering a plan that could result in jobs cuts at Fentimans, which is based in Hexham, Northumberland. AG Barr has not confirmed how many people currently work at Fentimans.
An AG Barr spokesperson said: “We acquired Fentimans for the opportunity to invest in and grow the brand for the long term. As part of that process, we have reviewed how best to integrate the business to ensure it is set up for sustainable future success.
“Yesterday we shared with colleagues a proposal which, if adopted, may result in 37 redundancies. This proposal is subject to a formal consultation process, and no final decisions have been made. We recognise that this is an unsettling time for those affected and our priority is to provide our colleagues with our full support throughout this process.
“We are fully committed to the Fentimans brand, its heritage, and its future growth. Our intention is to help strengthen the brand and create a sustainable platform for long-term investment and greater success as part of the AG Barr portfolio.”
Fentimans produces a range of soft drinks and mixers, including Ginger Beer and Rose Lemonade. The tonic line features flavours such as Pink Grapefruit, Valencian Orange, Pink Rhubarb, Oriental Yuzu and Elderflower & Rose.
The brand’s history dates back to 1905 when Thomas Fentiman acquired the recipe that led to the creation of Fentimans Ginger Beer.
Until the AG Barr acquisition, the brand remained in the ownership of the Fentimans family and was owned by the great-grandson of founder Thomas Fentiman, Eldon Robson.
According to AG Barr’s 2025 annual report, the business has 981 employees. AG Barr is headquartered in Cumbernauld, Scotland.
The soft drinks firm has already made a number of redundancies in the past year after closing its Barr Direct operation and integrating the Boost energy brand business. The move saw the company put nearly 200 jobs at risk.
The purchase of Fentimans was announced at the same time as AG Barr’s full-year financial results last month. The company reported revenue growth of approximately 4% to £437m (US$599.4m) for the year ending 31 January 2026.
The mixer category saw its volume and value drop in Britain’s grocery channel in the year to November 2025, according to Fentimans’ latest market report released in January.
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