The global wellness industry is proving to be a fertile ground for Irish entrepreneurs, with numerous brands achieving significant financial success by catering to demands for healthier, fitter, and younger-looking lifestyles. These companies are generating substantial profits and attracting major investments, transforming the landscape of health and lifestyle products.
One prominent example is the recent sale of VitHit, a drinks business founded 25 years ago by former rugby player Gary Lavin. The company was acquired by British firm Nichols for €75 million, with Lavin, who held over 70 percent of the shares, reportedly set to pocket around €50 million. VitHit, initially conceived after Lavin's rugby career was cut short by injury, evolved from importing health supplements to developing low-calorie, vitamin-infused drinks. Despite early struggles and the impact of the 2008 recession, the brand now achieves over €26 million in annual revenue across 15 markets.
The broader food supplements market, valued at nearly $193 billion globally last year and projected to exceed $414 billion by 2033, is seeing significant Irish participation. Sona Nutrition, a family business established over 40 years ago, reported a profit of approximately €3.7 million in 2023, offering around 140 products and exporting internationally.
Galway-based Revive Active, founded in 2011 by the late Dáithí O’Connor, has also carved out a significant niche in powdered supplements. The company sells about 16 million sachets annually, employs nearly 100 people, and recorded pre-tax profits of €3.2 million in 2023. Brand ambassador Pippa O’Connor's beauty and skincare firm, POCO, reported weekly revenues of just under €150,000, with its pre-tax profit tripling to €1.17 million for the year ending October 2025.
PrecisionBiotics, a Cork-based company specializing in probiotics founded by microbiologist Barry Kiely nearly 25 years ago, is now owned by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk. In 2023, the company generated almost €24.5 million in revenues and a pre-tax profit of €15.8 million.
Focus on Women's Health and Longevity
Women's health is a particularly dynamic segment within the wellness boom, addressing needs from perimenopause and menopause to hormonal balance. Pharmacist Laura Dowling, known as The Fabulous Pharmacist, has transitioned from social media to entrepreneurship with her Fab-U supplement range, targeting perimenopause, menopause, and men's midlife health. Her company, Peacetree, recorded profits of over €886,000 in 2023.
Sisterly, a Dublin-based venture founded by three friends, secured €2 million in funding for expansion into Britain and beyond. Their nutritional supplement, Elevator, is available via subscription. Gigi, a brand launched in 2023 by nutritionists Lisa Hughes and Jennie Haire, focuses on PMS and hormone balance and is seeking €1 million to expand into Britain.
At the premium end, ID Formulas, co-founded by dermatologists Dr. Caitríona Ryan and Dr. Niki Ralph and entrepreneur Conor Murphy, targets the longevity market with supplements costing around €250 per month, aimed at reversing biological aging.
Protein and Athleisure Markets Thrive
Protein-enhanced products have seen widespread adoption, moving beyond traditional bodybuilder supplements into yogurts, drinks, and bars. Barry Connolly, who previously brought Red Bull to Ireland, co-founded Fulfil protein bars. The brand was acquired by Ferrero in 2022 for an estimated €160 million, and Connolly later sold his stake in the North American operation to Hershey for over €80 million in 2025.
Kilkenny-based Glanbia's Optimum Nutrition brand, particularly its Gold Standard Whey, continues to be a major player. Glanbia reported group sales of €1.82 billion in the first half of the year, with Optimum Nutrition achieving 25.2 percent revenue growth.
Fit Foods, originating from the O'Leary family's Dublin Meat Company, has expanded its high-protein ready-meal range and targets revenues of at least €60 million, distributing over 120,000 meals weekly.
Sligo-based Good4U, founded by Bernie and Paul Butler, grew from sprouted seeds to a range of healthy snacks and protein balls, achieving an estimated yearly revenue of €15 million.
The athleisure market is also experiencing robust growth. Rosie Connolly and Paul Quinn's brand 4th Arq, started during the pandemic, now employs 24 staff and has secured partnerships with major retailers like Next and Nordstrom. The company reported €4.16 million profit for its 2024 financial year.
Gym+Coffee, founded in 2017, faced challenges but returned to profit in 2025 with pre-tax profits of €749,468 and revenues rising 27 percent to €18.69 million. The brand has attracted investment from Niall Horan and association from Brian O’Driscoll.
Wellness Services and Ingredients
Ireland's fitness industry is also performing well, with gym chain FlyeFit recording €30 million in membership revenue and a €4.5 million profit. Luxury leisure club Westwood reported a 15 percent increase in membership since the pandemic, generating up to €27.8 million last year.
The popularity of cold plunges and saunas has also led to business success. The Hot Box Sauna company reported post-tax profits of €928,306 for the 12 months to August 2025, a significant increase from the previous year.
Seaweed has emerged as a lucrative wellness ingredient. VOYA, founded by Mark and Kira Walton, supplies its seaweed-based products to over 56 countries, including luxury hotels and spas. Seabody, co-founded by biochemist Helena McMahon, develops marine ingredients from seaweed for skincare and wellness products. The global seaweed market is projected to be worth €22 billion by 2028.