AG Barr to cut IRN-BRU sugar content
Soft drinks maker AG Barr confirmed on Wednesday that it plans to reduce the sugar content across its drinks portfolio so that more than 90% of its beverages will contain less than 5g of total sugar per 100ml by this autumn.
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Barr said the reformulation programme now includes the IRN-BRU brand, which will see its sugar content reduced in line with changing consumer tastes and preferences.
Last year, the government announced plans to introduce a sugar tax on soft drinks from 2018 as it looks to tackle childhood obesity.
Chief executive Roger White said: "Evidence shows that consumers want to reduce their sugar intake while still enjoying great tasting drinks. We've responded by significantly reducing sugar across our portfolio in recent years, through reformulation and innovation.
"Today's announcement builds on this progress and we are now expanding our successful sugar reduction plans to include our iconic IR-BRU brand. We've worked hard to deliver IRN-BRU's unique great taste, using more of the secret IRN-BRU flavour essence, but with less sugar."
At 0930 GMT, the shares were flat at 520.96.