AG Barr has entered advanced discussions with a third party over the potential sale of its Strathmore water brand and the associated Forfar production site.

The update follows the company’s announcement in March 2025, when it revealed plans to discontinue the Strathmore brand during the current financial year. At the time, the company also proposed the closure of the Forfar site, putting 23 jobs at risk.

In a brief stock exchange filing, AG Barr confirmed that it had entered into exclusive discussions with a third party regarding the potential disposal of the Strathmore business. While the talks are still at an early stage, the company noted that there was “no certainty that a transaction will ultimately occur”.

However, in a separate statement sent to Refreshment, a spokesperson for AG Barr suggested the discussions have progressed. “While we previously announced a proposal with our Strathmore Water colleagues in Forfar, which could see the closure of the site and 23 roles becoming redundant, we have since entered advanced discussions with a third party interested in acquiring both the site and the brand,” the spokesperson said.

“These discussions are ongoing and no final decision has been reached. We remain committed to supporting our colleagues through this period of change,” they added.

The Strathmore brand has long been a part of AG Barr’s water portfolio, but the company has increasingly focused on its core brands such as Irn-Bru, Rubicon and Funkin.

Top image: © AG Barr 2025