Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A.G.Barr P.L.C.: Company Profile
A.G.Barr P.L.C.: Company Profile
COMPANY PROFILE
A.G.Barr p.l.c.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Company Overview
COMPANY OVERVIEW
A.G.Barr p.l.c. (A.G.Barr) manufactures and markets soft drinks. Its product portfolio includes carbonated
soft drinks, fruit drinks, fruit juices, iced tea, energy drinks and ice cream. It also offers packaged water,
sugar free flavoured water and sugar free squashes. The company markets its products under the brands
of IRN-BRU, Barr Originals, KA, D & B, St. Clements, Simply, Sun Exotica, Rubicon, Strathmore and
Tizer. Additionally, it also markets and distributes various third party brands through Partnerships which
includes, Rockstar and Snapple.. The company distributes Rockstar energy drink in the UK, Ireland and
Scandanavia. It also distributes Snapple fruit juices and iced teas in the UK and EU territories. A.G.Barr is
headquartered in Cumbernauld, the UK.
The company reported revenues of (British Pounds) GBP257.1 million for the fiscal year ended January
2017 (FY2017), a decrease of 0.6% over FY2016. In FY2017, the company’s operating margin was 17%,
compared to an operating margin of 16.3% in FY2016. In FY2017, the company recorded a net margin of
13.8%, compared to a net margin of 13.3% in FY2016.
Key Facts
KEY FACTS
Business Description
BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
A.G.Barr is a manufacturer, distributor and marketer of beverages. The company produces a wide range
of carbonates, dilutables, juice, still drinks, energy drinks and packaged water. The company primarily
operates in the UK market through a network of distributors and suppliers.
A.G.Barr classifies its business operations into three es through three business segments: , Carbonates, ;
Still Drinks and Water, ; and Other.
The company through its Carbonates segment markets carbonated soft drinks in the UK and foreign
markets with the help of partnership agreements. A.G.Barr sells its carbonated soft drink products under
the brands of Barr and IRN-BRU. Through Barr brand, the company offers soft drinks with various flavors
including diet cola, lemonade, cream soda, cherryade, limeade, red kola, ginger beer, raspberryade,
orangeade, shandy, appleade, and pineapple. IRN-BRu is one of the oldest soft drinks brands in the UK
and is available with 32 flavors in regular and sugar free formats. In FY20156, Carbonates segment
reported revenue of GBP198.2189.7 million, accounting for 7673.3% of the company’s total revenue.
Under Still Drinks and Water segment, A.G.Barr offers still drinks, juice drinks, juice, energy drinks, and
packaged water. A.G.Barr markets these products under the brands of KA, Tizer, Rubicon, Simply, St
Clements, and Sun Exotic. The company sells its packaged water under the Strathmore brand. It also
markets its products under partnership brands such as Rockstar and Snapple. In FY20156, Still Drinks
and Water segment reported revenue of GBP58.257.1 million, accounting for 22.1.3% of the company’s
total revenue.
Through Other segment, the company offers vending machines for rent, water coolers for the Findlays 19
liter water business and other products such as water cups. In FY20156, Other segment reported
revenue of GBP1.111.8 million, accounting for 1.74.6% of the company’s total revenue.
Geographically, the company classifies its business operations into two segments, the UK and Rest of the
world. In FY20156, the UK segment accounted for 97.296.4% of the company’s total revenue, whereas
Rest of the world segment accounted for 3.62.8%. It operates manufacturing facilities at Cumbernauld
and Milton Keynes, the UK.
Some of the major subsidiaries of the company include Findlays Limited, which carries out natural mineral
water bottler business; and Rubicon Drinks Limited, a manufacturer and distributor of soft drinks. A.G.Barr
distributes its products through distribution centers to supermarkets; cash and carry outlets; and
wholesale trade.
History
HISTORY
A.G.Barr p.l.c was established.
The company purchased other family business to form into one unit.
The company received a franchise from the owners of the Orangina brand, Pernod Ricard to produce and
distribute Orangina in the UK.
The company entered into a bottling and distribution agreement with PepsiCo to sell Irn Bru in Russia.
The company signed a national distribution agreement with Unilever for their Lipton Iced Tea brand in the
UK.
The company acquired Strathmore Spring water business for GBP15.5 million.
The company entered in a new franchise agreement with the Orangina Group that extended its
partnership to end of December 2014.
The company signed an extended agreement with Rockstar Inc related to the production and sale of the
Rockstar brand in Great Britain and Eire.
The company entered into a partnership with Falkirk Wheel as a part of community investment.
The company signed a new extended 15 year franchise agreement with Rockstar Inc.
The company received approval from the Competition Commission to merge Robinsons fruit drinks firm
Britvic into the company.
The company entered into agreement with Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) to become
official soft drink partner of the SPFL.
The company entered into a 10 year agreement with Snapple Beverage Corp, a subsidiary of the Dr
Pepper Snapple Group, under which A.G. BARR will have the exclusive rights to sell, market and
distribute the Snapple brand in the UK and certain other EU territories.
The company acquired Funkin Limited, a producer of cocktail mixer, for GBP21 million.
In February, the company announced as the official soft drink partner of Scottish Rugby for the next three
years.
In February, the company announced as the Official Soft Drink Partner of the SSE Hydro.
In May, the company launched sparkling spring water with fruit juice under Rubicon brand.
In July, the company launched light and fruity versions under Rubicon brand.
In January, the company launched five commemorative limited edition packs under IRN-BRU brand.
In January, the company’s Strathmore brand announced as the national supplier of bottled water for AAF
World Championships London 2017 and the World Para Athletics Championships.
Key Employees
KEY EMPLOYEES
John R Nicolson
Board:Executive Board
Job Title:Chairman
Since:2015
John R. Nicolson has been the Chairman of the company since January 2015. He joined the company as
a member of the board of director in 2013. He also serves as a Director of Stocks Spirits Group PLC and
North American Breweries Inc; and Deputy Chairman of CCU SA (Chile).
Roger A. White
Board:Executive Board
Job Title:Chief Executive Officer, Director
Since:2004
Roger A. White has been the Chief Executive Officer of the company since 2004. Prior to this, he served
as the Managing Director of the company. He joined the company in 2002. He also serves as a Non
Executive Director of Troy Income & Growth Trust plc. Prior to this, he was a President at British Soft
Drinks Association. Previously he worked at various senior positions in food group Rank Hovis
McDougall.
Products:
Soft Drinks
Carbonated Soft Drinks
Energy Drinks
Juices
Still Drinks
Iced Tea
Bottled Water
Ice Cream
Services:
Brands:
IRN-BRU
Barr
Barr's Originals
D'N'B
KA
Rubicon
OMJ!
Funkin
Tizer
Simply
Sun Exotic
Strathmore
St Clements
SWOT Analysis
SWOT ANALYSIS
A.G.Barr p.l.c. (A.G.Barr) is a manufacturer, distributor and marketer of soft drinks in the UK and Ireland.
Profitability position, operational network, product offerings and research and development (R&D)
activities are the major strengths of the company, whereas product recalls remains as a major area of
concern. In the future, intense competition, changing consumer preferences and obesity and water
concerns could affect its future growth avenues. However, strategic partnerships, growing global
consumption of functional drinks and new product launches are likely to provide ample growth
opportunities for the company.
Strength Weakness
Strength
Profitability Position
Though, the company’s revenue declined marginally in FY2017 from last fiscal, its profitability improved
during the same period. Improving profitability enables the company to provide higher returns to its
shareholders, therefore gain their confidence. Profitability also enhances the company’s ability to pursue
future growth and expansion plans. In FY2017, the company’s operating income was GBP43.8 million in
comparison with GBP42.1 million in FY2016, a growth of 4%. Strengthening operational performance
indicates efficient cost management by the company. Its operating margin befor exceptional items
improved 50bps to 16.8%, The Company’s operating cost as percentage of sales decreased from 83.7%
in FY2016 to 83% in FY2017. Similarly, the company’s net income was GBP35.6 million in FY2017 as
compared to GBP34.3 million in FY2016, representing a growth of 3.8%.
Operational Network
The company’s operations span across the UK. It operates production facilities in Cumbernauld, Forfar
and a new state-of-art facility in Milton Keynes, the UK. The company has sales and administration offices
in Cumbernauld, Middlebrook and Wembley the UK. It operates sales branches in Newcastle, Moston,
Sheffield, Wednesbury and Walthamstow, the UK. The company has supply chain sites in Cumbernauld,
Forfar and Milton Keynes, the UK. A.G.Barr has strong sales operations in the UK. The Strong
operational network across the UK enables to company to better align its position in the UK market as
compared to its peers, which in turn improve its brand image and financial performance.
Wide product portfolio helps the company to cater wide customer base. Strong product portfolio compiled
with well known brands enables the company to attract strong customer pool and will have a competitive
edge over its peers. A.G. BARR produces, markets and sells soft drinks and packaged water under the
brands Barr Flavors, Barr Originals, D’N’B, Funkin, IRN-BRU, Barr, , KA, Rockstar, Rubicon, Simply,
Snapple, St. Clement’s, Strathmore, Sun Exotic and Tizer. Under Barr Flavors brand, the company offers
sparkling soft drinks in various flavors, cola, diet cola, lemonade, cream soda, cherryade, limeade, red
kola, ginger beer, raspberryade, orrangeade, shandy, appleade, pineapple and soda water. It offers its
Barr Originals brand in four flavours cream soda, ginger beer, lemonade and orange. Through D’N’B
brand, the company offers sparkling soft drink in dandelion and burdock flavour. Under Funkin brand,
A.G.Barr offers cocktail mixers in six variants cosmopolitan, bramble, white peach bellini, mojito,
raspberry mojito, pina colado and strawberry. Its IRN-BRU is a carbonated soft drink offered in regular
and sugar free variants. Under its KA brand, the company offers sparkling and still varieties in various
flavours including pineapple, blackgrape, mango, karibbean kola, strawberry, fruit punch and ginger beer.
A.G.Barr offers juice drinks and ice creams and lollies under Rubicon brand. Under Sun Exotic brand it
offer still and sparkling varieties of exotic juice drinks in tropical, pineapple and coconut and citrus twist
flavors. The company also offers soft drinks under the brands Simply, Tizer and St Clements. It offers
packaged water under the brand Strathmore. A.G.Barr also markets its products under partnership
brands, including Rockstar and Snapple.
A.G.Barr p.l.c puts strong focus on research and development (R&D). Focus on R&D enables the
company to stay abreast of the changes in the industry and provides it with ‘first mover’ advantage by
launching products ahead of competition. The company’s R&D initiatives are aimed at new product
development, improvement of existing products and identifying and developing new benefits and
developing new drinking formulas. It always intends to achieve the growth through various product
improvements and renovations. The company’s innovative cutting-edge technologies develop new
products based on the changing market trends and also improves its operating facilities and supply chain
activities which allows the company to ensure timely deliveries for its customers. Uncompromising
product safety and quality enhances the company’s brand image and offer superior customer satisfaction
and also reduces its production and transportation costs. In FY2017, the company invested GBP1.1
million for its R&D activities.
Weakness
Product Recalls
The company recalled a number of products in the past. Such product recalls have a negative impact on
the company’s brand image and may also result in decease in customer’s confidence in the company. In
October 2016, the company recalled its Rubicon sparkling mango 2ltr soft drink. It recalled four batches of
its mango soft drink products due to the presence of yeast fermentation in some of its bottles. This could
pose a serious threat on health of its customers because yeast fermentation could lead to build high
pressure in these bottles which could result in burst of these bottles. It also spoils the content in the bottle
delivering an unpleasant taste and odour making it unsuitable for human consumption. A.G.Barr recalled
these bottles with batch codes 6149, 6150, 6176 and 6177 packed on February 2017 and March 2017.
The company displayed point of sale notices in all of its retail stores and also explains its customers
about the damage of the product.
Opportunity
Strategic Partnerships
The company establishes and nourishes collaboration and agreements with other companies to enhance
its product portfolio and to bring non-dilutive capital into the company. Promotional initiatives play a major
role in building brand loyalty and customer confidence for companies irrespective of industries. These
initiatives assist the companies in development of brand awareness, identification of new target
customers, markets and in development of new products. Sponsorship of sports events also helps the
companies in reaching wide customer base as eventually, sports events became primary location for
muss gatherings than any other. To capture such opportunity, companies are taking new strategies on
promotions and competing with each other for new contracts. A.G.Barr undertook several promotional
initiatives in FY2016, focusing on the Scotland region. In January 2017, the company appointed as a
national supplier of bottled water for both IAAF World Championships London 2017 and the World Para
Athletics Championships. In February 2016, the company entered into a five-year agreement with the
SSE Hydro, an entertainment venue in Scotland. Under the agreement, the company was appointed as
the Official Soft Drink Partner of the SSE Hydro. In the same month, A.G. Barr entered into a three-year
agreement with Scottish Rugby. Under the agreement the company was appointed as the Official Soft
Drink Partner of Scottish Rugby till 2019. In February 2016, the company was appointed as the official
soft drink partner for Scottish Rugby until 2019. This three-year deal allows to supply soft drinks, Barr cola
and Strathmore water products to Scotland national team, Scotland 7s team and the country’s two
professional clubs, Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby. In the last 18 months the company supplied
2,00,000 bottles for rugby athletes to keep them hydrated. Such agreements could expand the company’s
product portfolio in driving revenue growth in the Scotland region.
Product innovations and introductions could help the company to enjoy advantage over its peers and
build brand equity, besides driving overall sales growth. New product launches could provide an
opportunity for the company to cater to changing consumer tastes and serve diverse markets more
efficiently, besides keeping the product categories vital. In July 2016, the company launched a low calorie
flavored soft drink, IRN-BRU XTRA with zero sugar content. The company implemented an outdoor
marketing campaign and sold 20 million cans within its launch of first six months. In the same month, it
also launched Rubicon light & fruity juiced drinks in Mango & Coconut and Mango, Lime & Mint flavors. In
May 2016, the company launched exotic juice drinks under Rubicon Spring brand in four new flavors that
offers less than 15 calories per bottle. It is available in strawberry Kiwi, Lemon Lime, Orange Mango and
Black Cherry Raspberry flavors. The company sold approximately 7.6 million bottles. In January 2016, the
company launched IRN-BRU soft drinks limited edition packs in both regular and sugar free variants.
The company may stand to benefit from the growing demand for soft drinks globally. Major factors include
a growth in global population and a general improvement in social and economic conditions. According to
an in-house report, Juice is expected to grow by 3-4% in period 2016 to 2021 due to increase in the
health concern people. In 2016, sales of Still Drinks are projected to grow by 9% over the previous year
due to increase in the disposable income. Fruit Powders is also forecasted to grow in 2016 compared to
2015. Dairy drinks are also expected to grow by 6% in 2016, over 2015, due to increase in the
advertisement of the companies. Furthermore, Iced/RTD Tea Drinks, Iced/RTD Coffee Drinks, Sports
Drinks and Energy Drinks are also expected to grow in period 2016-2021. With a strong and diverse
portfolio of soft drinks brands, PCPPI is well positioned to tap the market opportunities to drive growth.
Threat
Intense Competition
The company operates in a highly competitive market. Some of the key factors driving competition in the
industry include product functionality, product quality, pricing, product innovation and effectiveness of
marketing and distribution channels. To survive and succeed in a stiff competitive environment, it is very
important for the company to distinguish its product and service offerings through a clear and unique
value proposition. Major competitors of the company include Nichols plc, Britvic Plc, The Coca-Cola
Company, PepsiCo, Inc. and Tropicana UK Ltd. Some of the competitors of the company have greater
financial, marketing and other resources, which enables them to pursue more vigorous marketing and
expansion activities. Moreover, the growth potential in the food and beverage industry is driving the entry
of several new players into the marketplace and increased competition from established firms. Intense
competition may have a material adverse impact on the company’s operations.
A.G.Barr operates in the soft drinks market and its business depends principally on the customer
preferences and changing consumer demands. The company has to adapt quickly to these changes to
increase or maintain its business in the competitive industry. The consumers’ purchasing decisions are
highly subjective and could be influenced by various factors, such as brand image, product taste and
quality, and marketing programs. The company should anticipate and respond to these changing
consumer preferences in a time based manner, as the consumers tend to purchase and consume
alternate brands and might spend less on soft drinks. Although the company has a consistent focus on
innovation and creativity to stay abreast of changing consumer demands, however, any failure to identify
and respond to change in consumer preference could adversely affect consumer acceptance of
company’s products and also hampers the brand image of the company.
Health consequences resulting from obesity and water scarcity are primary concern areas for beverage
companies. Researchers, health advocates and dietary guidelines have advocated a reduction in
consumption of sweetened beverages in order to avoid obesity. Various government entities plan to
increase taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages to reduce consumption of such beverages and increase
revenue. For instance, the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax (SWEET) Act, institutes a tax of 1 cent per
teaspoon of caloric sweetener such as sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. Increased consumer awareness
towards obesity and probable new or increased taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages by government
entities may reduce the company’s product sales. Moreover, increased water scarcity and availability of
quality water is deteriorating day by day. Water being a key ingredient for beverage manufacturers,
increasing demand for water may result in higher production costs in coming years. Such concerns could
affect the company’s profitability and its future growth business operations.
Top Competitors
TOP COMPETITORS
The following companies are the major competitors of A.G.Barr p.l.c.
Britvic Plc
Copella Fruit Juices Ltd
Gerber Juice Company Ltd
PepsiCo, Inc.
Tropicana UK Ltd
Company View
COMPANY VIEW
A statement by Mr. John R. Nicolson, the chairman of the company is given below. The statement has
been taken from the company's 2017 annual report.
Over the past 12 months we have seen some extremely significant events unfold across the UK and
beyond.
The announcement of a soft drinks sugar tax in the Chancellor’s budget in March 2016, and the
devaluation of sterling following the UK’s referendum vote to leave the European Union in June, added
additional external headwinds in a soft drinks market already impacted by price deflation.
Despite these macro external influences, the business has retained a clear focus on the execution of its
strategy and in particular on internal improvement actions. Financially, the business has delivered another
solid performance with profit before tax and exceptional items* of £42.4m, an increase of 2.7% on the
prior year (£41.3m), and exits the year with a strong balance sheet.
We maintained our market share across the period and continued to invest in our brands, with the key
brands, IRN-BRU and Rubicon, delivering good growth. Innovation has been a key strategic focus across
the year and the launches of IRN-BRU XTRA and Rubicon Spring in particular, both no added sugar
products, have proven successful.
As consumer tastes and preferences continue to change, and the demand for great tasting, reduced
sugar products increases, the recent announcement that 90% of our Company owned brands will contain
less than 5g of total sugars per 100ml by the autumn of 2017 is an extremely positive demonstration of
how the business is responding with both pace and commitment.
Our key partnerships with Rockstar and Dr Pepper Snapple Group continued to progress, complementing
our own portfolio both in the UK and increasingly on an international basis, where we have delivered
further growth, extending our international footprint and our franchise territory agreements.
The Funkin business, acquired in 2015, continues to exceed our acquisition expectations, and we remain
highly encouraged by the continued growth momentum of the Funkin brand and business. Our drive for
improvement across the business has not abated. We have continued to invest in our asset base,
including the installation of a new glass filling line at Cumbernauld, and are in the process of adding new
PET capability in our Milton Keynes facility. In addition, we have successfully completed a Company-wide
business reorganization that has both enhanced our organisational capability and reduced our overhead
base.We exit the year with a strong balance sheet, and are well placed to exploit growth opportunities as
and when they arise.
Dividend
The Board is pleased to be in a position to maintain its commitment to a progressive dividend policy and
recommend a final dividend of 10.87p per share to give a total dividend for the full year of 14.40p per
share, a full year increase of 8% on the prior year. The final dividend is payable on 9 June 2017 to
shareholders on the Register of Members at the close of business on 12 May 2017. The ex-dividend date
is 11 May 2017.
Given the strength of the balance sheet and the cash generative nature of the business, the Board has
decided to return up to £30m to shareholders via an on-market share repurchase programme. This
programme is anticipated to commence in the spring of 2017 and complete within 24 months. The AGM
in May 2017 will be requested to approve the renewal of the authority granted in June 2016 for the Board
to repurchase up to 10% of the Company’s own shares. We do not believe that the repurchase
programme will have any material impact on our ability to secure acquisition opportunities should these
be identified.
People
The continued success of the business is testament to the commitment and skills of the whole team and I
would like to take this opportunity to extend a thank you to each and every team member for their efforts
across this year of change and reorganization. The Board continues to operate effectively, with a
complementary mix of skills and experience providing solid and effective governance controls. We will
continue to review how to enhance both the governance model and the advisory aspect of the Board.
Prospects
The business has achieved a great deal in the past year, building a strong platform for the future while
sustaining current financial performance. With great brands, an e�ective business model, a clear strategy
and a strong team in place to deliver it, the business remains well placed to develop further and realize its
long-term potential.
Head Office
A.G.Barr p.l.c.
Westfield House
4 Mollins Road
Westfield
Cumbernauld
Scotland
Cumbernauld
Scotland
GBR
Phone:44 1236 852400
Fax:44 1236 852477
www.agbarr.co.uk
A.G. BARR Capital Partner Limited A.G. BARR General Partner Limited
GBR GBR
A.G. BARR Pension Trustee Limited A.G. BARR Scottish Limited Partnership
GBR GBR
A.G.Barr p.l.c. A.G.Barr p.l.c.
1 Priestley Way 122, Arlington Road
Forrest Trading Estate London
Walthamstow England
London London
England England
London GBR
England Phone:44 20 73284440
GBR Fax:44 20 73284995
Phone:44 208 5277660
Fax:44 208 5272373
A.G.Barr p.l.c. A.G.Barr p.l.c.
2 Westfield Place 2nd Floor
Cumbernauld Mansell House, Aspinall Close
Scotland Middlebrook, Horwich
Cumbernauld Bolton
Scotland Bolton
GBR GBR
Phone:44 1236 852400 Phone:44 1204 664200
Fax:44 1236 852477 Fax:44 1204 664298
John Carpenter House, John Carpenter Street, London, United Kingdom, EC4Y 0AN
T: +44 (0) 203 377 3042 | F: +44 (0) 870 134 4371 | E: reachus@marketline.com | W: www.marketline.com
Copyright of A.G.Barr p.l.c SWOT Analysis is the property of MarketLine, a Progressive
Digital Media business and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or
posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users
may print, download, or email articles for individual use.