Irn-Bru looks set to be hit by the sugar tax for the first time after ministers confirmed a major tightening of the levy ahead of today’s Budget.

The UK Government Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the threshold at which the soft drinks industry levy (SDIL) is applied would be cut from 5g to 4.5g of sugar per 100ml, dragging Scotland’s other national drink into scope.

That is despite AG Barr’s 2018 decision to cut the sugar content by almost half .

The change, due to take effect in 2028, will also sweep in drinks such as 7Up, Pepsi and Fanta.

Industry figures have warned the move will mean higher prices, with soft drinks firms, including AG Barr, previously telling Sir Keir Starmer it would have “severe economic consequences” and could increase costs by up to 5%.

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