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AG Barr, the Scottish beverage company known for its flagship product Irn-Bru, has acquired a majority stake in Innate-Essence Limited, parent company of The Turmeric Co. This move underscores AG Barr's commitment to expanding its footprint in the functional beverages and health supplements market.

The acquisition, which reportedly grants AG Barr between 50% and 75% ownership of the London-based brand, was finalised for an undisclosed sum. The Turmeric Co, founded in 2018 by former professional footballer Hal Robson-Kanu, specialises in health-focused drinks that leverage the growing consumer interest in wellness and functional nutrition.

As part of the deal, AG Barr's CEO Euan Sutherland and CFO Stuart Lorimer will take on joint directorships at Innate-Essence, signalling the company's intention to integrate its operational expertise into the management of The Turmeric Co.

A spokesperson from AG Barr emphasised the potential for growth within the functional beverage sector, noting: “These brands are in the high growth functional beverages and vitamin and supplements sectors, and we’re excited to bring our deep industry experience to support their future growth”.

This acquisition aligns with AG Barr’s recent financial performance, which saw a revenue increase of 5.1% to £420.4 million for the year ending January 31 2025. The company also reported a significant rise in adjusted pre-tax profit, up nearly 16% to £58 million during the same period.

AG Barr's strategy appears to be focused on diversifying its portfolio amid recent challenges, including the decision to sell its Strathmore bottled water brand, which had struggled to compete in a saturated market. The company has indicated that the facility in Forfar, Scotland, where Strathmore was produced, was deemed unsustainable.

The Turmeric Co has established partnerships with notable sports organisations, including Leicester Tigers and Premier League clubs Brentford and Everton, enhancing its visibility in the competitive health drink sector. This acquisition may position AG Barr to leverage these partnerships and further capitalise on the demand for functional beverages among health-conscious consumers.