Cumbernauld-based Irn-Bru maker A.G. Barr said on Tuesday its evenue rose 5.6% to £279 milliom and profit before tax and exceptional items increased 2.5% to £45.2 million in the 52 weeks ended January 26, 2019.

Proposed total dividend for the year is 16.64p per share, an increase of 7%.

Barr’s other soft drinks brands include Rubicon, Strathmore and Funkin.

Barr CEO Roger White said:  “At the outset of 2018 we set out a clear strategy and specific actions which we believed were required to deliver continued financial success during what we forecast to be a year of significant changes across our industry.  

“I am pleased to report we have delivered another strong financial performance having adapted well to both the circumstances we anticipated and those which were less expected.

“It is with this backdrop in mind that I emphasise the flexibility and strength of our business model, people and brands, all of which continue to deliver consistently.

“We have grown revenue by 8.0% and 5.6% respectively over the past two years reflecting the growth potential of our business.  

“Whilst the uncertainty across the UK economy is likely to prevail for the foreseeable future, we have consistently demonstrated over the long-term that our strategy and execution are fit for purpose and resilient.  

“The markets in which we operate are robust and provide us with continued opportunities to grow.

“We have exciting plans to deliver across the group and are confident of continuing to make further progress in the coming year.”

On Brexit. Whire said: “We have operated across the past year in a period of political and economic uncertainty and volatility.  

“We do not see any immediate end to this extended period of uncertainty. 

“Given our largely UK sales profile, our current assessment is that the specific issue of the UK’s future exit from the European Union will not have a significant impact on our business other than through its effects on foreign exchange and the procurement of specific raw materials.  

“To mitigate these risks where possible we have exchange rate hedging cover in place at the top end of our treasury policy and we have secured both the required UK storage and materials to enable us to minimise any potential impact of operating difficulties around the time of the current Brexit exit date.  

“Should this change in any way we will adapt our plans and actions as appropriate.”