The nutritional drinks company of former Welsh football international Hal Robson-Kanu has been majority acquired by leading beverage manufacturer AG Barr in a £15m deal.
Innate-Essence is behind the Turmeric Co and Raw Hydrate brands. Mr Robson-Kanu said he was inspired to launch the business after finding turmeric shots invaluable in recovering from a potentially career-ending knee injury.
Both parties said the initial £15m investment for a 51.1% stake will be deployed to ‘turbo charge’ global expansion, further develop the brand’s retail proposition and invest more deeply into marketing.
Growth to date has been underpinned by monthly recurring subscriptions, successful nationwide launches in Sainsbury’s and Ocado and placement in David Lloyd Clubs. It has also struck strategic partnerships with Premier League teams such as Everton and Brentford, Premiership Rugby teams Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers and British Gymnastics.
BDO and Pinsent Masons advised Innate-Essence on the investment by the Cumbernauld headquartered and London Stock Exchange listed drinks giant.
Chief executive of Innate-Essence Mr Robson-Kanu, said: “I created the brand as a convenient and great-tasting way to support wellness-conscious individuals and sportspeople like me. We’ve had a remarkable few years but with this latest milestone and such heavyweight backing, it feels like our journey is just beginning – we’ve unlocked a new level. The international potential is huge, and we can’t wait to see what we achieve next. BDO’s understanding of our sector and merger and acquisition expertise has been key to our success and getting this investment over the line.”
Lorna Hopkinson led the deal for BDO. She said: “Having worked with Thomas since his Series A investment in 2023, this latest deal is testament to the fact that with an exceptional leader, clear vision and a quality product, Ƶ consumer brands can scale – at pace. This is a significant deal in the sector and positions the brand for global success.”
Market leading soft drink brands of AG Barr include Irn-Bru and Boost. In a trading statement to the London Stock Exchange trading statement the Scottish company said first half 2025/26 revenues are expected to be around £228m, some 3% up on the £221.3m in H1 2024/25.
It said trading momentum increased as H1 progressed, with several record volume weeks in Q2. Brand revenue performance was led by Boost which delivered strong double-digit growth, while sales of Irn-Bru and Rubicon were flat in H1, although both had stronger performances in Q2.
Its chief executive Euan Sutherland said:“We are pleased to report continued revenue growth and strong profit growth in the first half of the financial year. Trading improved during H1 and we enter H2 with strong momentum and continued progress on margin improvement as our strategic initiatives continue to deliver. I am also excited about our expansion into the functional beverage segment working alongside Hal Robson-Kanu and the Innate-Essence team. Our full year guidance remains unchanged and in line with market expectations.”
