IRN-Bru owner AG Barr has cited tough comparisons with the build-up to last year's Commonwealth Games as it reported modest sales fall in the 15 weeks to May 9.

Sales at Cumbernauld-based Barr were down 1.1 per cent compared with the same period last year, when a strong performance was delivered on the back of marketing activity linked to Glasgow 2014.

However, noting that the update reflects a return to more normal sales phasing, the soft drinks giant expects a return to sales growth in the second half.

AG Barr said it was on course to meet its expectations for the year, in spite of challenging conditions across the market.