Funkin, which supplies cocktail mixes, syrups and purees for bars, is set for further growth after being acquired by AG Barr, the Scottish manufacturer of Rubicon juices and Irn-Bru.
The cocktail specialist will continue to grow and develop its product range in both the on- and off-trade as a stand-alone business unit of the North Lanarkshire-based group.
The deal ties in with the departure of founder Alex Carlton (pictured left) who has decided to leave the company after 15 years. He will continue to provide consultancy support while Funkin’s chief executive Andrew King (right) becomes managing director alongside other existing members of the Funkin team.
Andrew said: “This is an exciting next step for Funkin and we are looking forward to being a part of the AG Barr family and the opportunities that will bring as we continue to grow our business.”
AG Barr, which dates back to 1875, is buying into Funkin at a time when the international cocktail market is rapidly evolving, expecting significant scope to further develop Funkin’s presence.
Providing cocktail ingredients for pubs and bars as well as the high-end on-trade, Funkin has a broad range of 100% natural fruit purees, mixes and syrups. Its cocktail mixes range from Pina Colada and Strawberry Woo Woo to Mojitos and a Bramble, while its most recent launch was a rhubarb syrup, developed with bartender Dan Redman-Hubley.
AG Barr’s other brands include Strathmore Water, Tizer, Barr mixers and the Rockstar energy drink range.
