AG Barr targeting Poland

AG BARR, the Glasgow company that produces Irn-Bru, is stepping up its move into overseas markets with a full launch of the fizzy drink in Poland next year. The expansion into foreign markets comes as Barr said it closed two sales and logistics operations at home – at Irvine and Wishaw – in the first half, resulting in 25 to 30 job losses.
Barr said its plans to launch in Poland were founded on a successful market test of the drink in 2004. It will initially focus the launch on the capital, Warsaw, followed by a countrywide roll-out later in 2006.
Until now, Barr has been shipping Irn-Bru to Poland from its manufacturing base in the UK. But it plans to manufacture the drink with a local partner under licence in 2006, cutting down on transport costs and improving delivery lead times to stores. Roger White, chief executive, said: "We are hoping to replicate (in Poland) the results from Russia."
White hopes the launch in Poland could have a ripple effect, resulting in Irn-Bru launching into neighbouring eastern European territories.

(Source: The Herald)

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