Former Wales international Hal Robson-Kanu has scored a major business win, with his wellness drinks company securing a £15m investment from AG Barr.
Innate-Essence, which is the business behind the Turmeric Co and Raw Hydrate brands, will now look to use the funding to fuel its global growth.
FTSE-listed drinks giant AG Barr, best known for Irn-Bru and Rubicon, has taken a 51.1 per cent controlling stake in the fast-growing firm that was founded by the Euro 2016 star following a significant knee injury that threatened to end his professional football career.
Based in London, the company has carved out a niche in the functional drinks space, led by its turmeric-based wellness shots which are sold on its website.
Consumers are also able to pay for subscription-based services and the platform also has a ‘VIP Text Club’.
The investment is expected to accelerate the brand’s international footprint, expand its retail strategy and significantly ramp up marketing spend.
Innate-Essence has seen rapid traction through a mix of monthly recurring revenue, national rollouts in Sainsbury’s and Ocado and strategic listings in David Lloyd Clubs.
It has also established high-profile sports partnerships, including ones with Premier League clubs Everton and Brentford, Premiership Rugby teams Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers, as well as British Gymnastics.
QPR deal to ‘redefine fan engagement and create model for future’
Robson-Kanu defied doctors and surgeons when he recovered from chronic pain and inflammation.
This inspired him to launch Innate-Essence (The Turmeric Co.), which is now one the UK’s fastest-growing health businesses.
Robson-Kanu, who serves as CEO, 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.”
Buyer AG Barr also recently reported positive results, with half-year revenues expected to be up 3% to £228m for the first half of 2025.
The company’s share price has seen consistent growth since it floated in 1993 and now has a share price of 695p, alongside a market cap of £777.48m.
AG Barr CEO, Euan Sutherland, added: “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 Thomas Robson-Kanu and the Innate-Essence team.
“Our full year guidance remains unchanged and in line with market expectations.”
The deal was led by BDO and legal firm Pinsent Masons, who advised Innate-Essence on the transaction.