AG Barr is planning further brand extensions for Irn-Bru, Scotland's iconic soft drink brand, as it grows its core carbonate business.

Company CEO Roger White said it was exploring NPD around Irn-Bru following a strong first year nationally and in its home market for its energy drink Irn-Bru 32. The company has also registered a trademark for Irn-Bru Edge.

Speaking as the business reported a 27% rise in annual pre-tax profit to £20.8m, against sales up 4.6% to £148.4m, White said sales of Diet Irn-Bru and the core Irn-Bru brand were up 3%.

"We are pleased with the performance of our brands, including our juices and smoothies portfolio, but our core carbonates remain important and we are committed to driving the category forward," he said.

AG Barr also owns the Tizer brand, which was relaunched last year with real fruit juice and no artificial colours. Despite the reformulation, the brand posted a 4% sales drop "in line with other carbonates", according to the company.