Liverpool-based sports nutrition brand Applied Nutrition has announced that its 2026 profits and revenues will exceed market expectations, driven by a 50% year-on-year revenue increase to £160m. The company, backed by Coleen Rooney and JD Sports, also cautioned that 2027 margins could be affected by significantly higher whey protein costs.
Strong year-end trading across all markets
In a trading update for the year ended July 31, the group said trading remained strong across all its markets. The board now expects adjusted EBITDA for the year to rise 40% year-on-year to £43.3m, excluding the impact of June's acquisition of Nutrablend. This figure is ahead of consensus market expectations.
The company, which floated on the London stock markets in 2024, has become one of the North West's notable recent success stories in the health and wellness sector.
2027 outlook and whey cost warning
Looking ahead to 2027, Applied Nutrition expects revenue to rise to approximately £205m and total adjusted EBITDA to increase 13% to £49m, both ahead of current consensus market expectations. However, the company warned that the FY27 EBITDA margin is expected to decrease slightly from FY26 levels.
According to the board, this margin reduction reflects an increased revenue contribution from the US, together with significantly higher whey protein costs and a greater proportion of sales from whey-based products, partly following the very successful relaunch of Critical Whey in FY26.
Coleen Rooney increases stake
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that TV personality and Applied Nutrition backer Coleen Rooney had increased her stake in the business. She serves as the face of a range of products for the firm, including collagen.
At the time, Coleen Rooney said: "Alongside being an ambassador for the business, I had the opportunity to invest in the company and couldn’t be happier with my decision as the business continues to grow. I am excited about the future of the company as it expands into new markets and products and have decided to invest further."
She added: "I look forward to continuing to work alongside the board and the rest of the team and to be a part of the company’s future success."
Applied Nutrition's chief executive Thomas Ryder said: "Coleen embodies everything we are about – focus, passion for wellness and a commitment to the journey."
Full results due in November
Applied Nutrition expects to release its full 2026 results in November. The company's continued growth trajectory and expansion into new markets will be closely watched by investors, particularly given the anticipated impact of whey costs on next year's margins.
