A significant development in the functional beverage market sees former Welsh football international Hal Robson-Kanu’s nutritional drinks company, Innate-Essence, now majority-owned by Scottish beverage giant AG Barr in a substantial £15 million deal. This strategic acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Innate-Essence, signaling ambitious growth plans and a fortified presence in the health and wellness sector.
Innate-Essence is the innovative force behind popular brands such as The Turmeric Co. and Raw Hydrate, products conceived from Robson-Kanu’s personal journey. His inspiration stemmed from experiencing the profound benefits of turmeric shots in his recovery from a potentially career-ending knee injury, highlighting a deep-rooted commitment to natural wellness solutions that resonate with health-conscious consumers and athletes alike.
The initial investment of £15 million, securing a 51.1% stake for AG Barr, is earmarked to propel Innate-Essence’s global expansion. This capital injection will specifically be deployed to turbocharge international market penetration, significantly develop the brand’s retail proposition, and facilitate a more profound investment into targeted marketing campaigns designed to elevate brand awareness and consumer engagement in the competitive functional beverages landscape.
The intricate details of this high-profile investment deal were meticulously handled by leading advisory firms. BDO and Pinsent Masons provided expert counsel to Innate-Essence throughout the acquisition process, guiding the company through the complexities of the transaction with the Cumbernauld-headquartered and London Stock Exchange-listed drinks giant, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome for both parties involved in this major business move.
Hal Robson-Kanu, as Chief Executive of Innate-Essence, shared his enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, “I created the brand as a convenient and great-tasting way to support wellness-conscious individuals and sportspeople like me.” He further emphasized the remarkable journey the company has undertaken and the immense international potential unlocked by this latest milestone and the “heavyweight backing,” suggesting a new level of achievement for the company and its future in sports nutrition.
AG Barr, a prominent name in the soft drinks industry, boasts a robust portfolio of market-leading brands including the iconic Irn-Bru and Boost. In a recent trading statement to the London Stock Exchange, the Scottish company projected first-half 2025/26 revenues to be approximately £228 million, representing a commendable 3% increase over the £221.3 million reported in H1 2024/25, underscoring its financial strength and market influence ahead of the AG Barr acquisition.
Euan Sutherland, Chief Executive of AG Barr, expressed satisfaction with the continued revenue growth and strong profit growth in the first half of the financial year. He noted improving trading momentum throughout the period, with strong performance in Q2 driven by record volume weeks. Sutherland specifically highlighted the excitement surrounding their expansion into the functional beverage segment through this strategic partnership with Hal Robson-Kanu business, reinforcing the company’s commitment to diversified market presence and innovative product development.
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