Finlays acquires Leahy-IFP

Finlays, has announced it has completed the purchase of Leahy-IFP, a major aseptic packer and formulator of natural fruit-based beverages headquartered in Glenview, Illinois.

Finlays will integrate Leahy-IFP and its global extract business – Finlays Solutions – creating a powerful natural beverages platform from which to serve brand owners, retailers and foodservice operators across North America and worldwide. The acquisition doubles Finlays Solutions’ footprint in North America and significantly expands its capability in the food service channel.

Combining Finlays Solutions’ expertise in tea, coffee and botanical solutions, with Leahy-IFP’s specialisation in fruit-based beverage products (including innovative, high-growth Refreshers), creates a diverse and dynamic natural beverages portfolio.

The integration will also provide enhanced capability across the value chain, from sourcing, to product development, to manufacturing capability, and packaging formats. 

Integrating Finlays Solutions and Leahy-IFP creates an extensive global network centred on North America, with seven sites in the US — across Rhode Island, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, Nevada — as well as operations in the UK and Kenya. Through this network, and the combined expertise of the two respective teams, Finlays Solutions and Leahy-IFP’s shared long-term vision is to drive long-term, sustainable growth in natural beverages for the world’s biggest and best loved brands, retailers and foodservice operators.

It will be “business as usual” for both Finlays Solutions and Leahy-IFP for the remainder of the year with each business continuing to be run by its respective leadership teams. Concurrently, Finlays is now moving to integrate Finlays Solutions and Leahy-IFP into one business and is aiming to complete this in January 2026. The integrated business will be Chaired by James Woodrow, group managing director of Finlays, with Mike Leahy, of Leahy-IFP, as deputy-chair, and Darnell Ross as chief executive officer.

James Woodrow, group managing director of Finlays says:“We are delighted to welcome Leahy-IFP and its wonderful team to the Finlays family. Leahy-IFP is a business with incredible legacy stretching back 65 years. Both of our businesses are family owned, with strong and complementary values making us a natural fit. This is a transformational moment for Leahy-IFP and Finlays Solutions as we seek to deliver on our Purpose of empowering our customers to create a world where every sip brings joy. I am incredibly excited about what we will achieve together.”

Mike Leahy, Executive chairman of Leahy-IFP added: “Finlays is one of the biggest and most trusted names in natural beverages and we couldn’t ask for a better business to join forces with. We’re proud of what we’ve built over the last 65 years, but together, we can go even further, creating new opportunities for our people, our customers, and our partners. In short, we are excited to join forces with Finlays Solutions and look forward to being part of a shared future defined by ambition, collaboration, and growth.”

Timothy Leahy Sr., Chairman of the Leahy board coomented:“This strategic decision marks a significant milestone in our 65-year journey and reflects our commitment to our team, customers, and the food service community. Our focus on driving growth, innovation, and strategic solutions only becomes stronger through this acquisition.  At the core of Leahy is its values and a thriving culture and we see the same within Finlays.  I am extremely encouraged with the merging of the two organizations and what the future entails.”