Shares of Cumbernauld-based soft drinks maker A.G. Barr rose about 2% after it said its performance improved in the second half of the year and that revenue for the 53 weeks ending January 30 is expected to be around £257 million.

On an ongoing basis, though, stripping out the 53rd week, Barr expects its revenue for the full year to fall 1.5%.

Barr said trading in its final quarter of the financial year ended January 30 is expected to deliver revenue growth of more than 2.5%.

Barr’s brands include Irn Bru, Snapple and Strathmore Spring Water.

“The soft drinks market in the UK has continued to be challenging,” said Barr in a trading statement.

“Having dealt with the challenges of the first half and successfully managed the festive trading period we are on course to meet our expectations for the year.

“While trading conditions are expected to remain challenging, we are confident that the combination of our strong and flexible business model, our differentiated brands and our well invested asset base will allow us to deliver further long term business success.”

 Barr will announce its full year results on March 29.