A NORTH Yorkshire animal feed firm has taken a majority stake in a natural health supplements business.

I'Anson feeds of Masham has bought a 75 per cent stake in The Golden Paste Company (GPCo) which, from its distribution base in Killinghall, near Harrogate, produces a range of products based on Whole Turmeric.

The business is focused on its use in human food, through a simple method of 'cooking' and preparation, which allows for a number of formats including ready-made pastes and supplements.

Will I’Anson, sales director of I’Anson, said: "We are very excited about this latest acquisition and partnership. There is a great deal of synergy across all our related brands and product ranges not only in the UK but with our feed partners worldwide.

"We’ll have many great opportunities together thanks to our wide distribution network, strategic feed partners in the UK and across the globe and our strong presence in the animal feed, pet and equine market."

Janine Kell will continue as managing director at GPCo, working alongside her husband Darren, Celine Scott and Kirsten Baul.

She said: "We are excited for the opportunities that the support of I’Anson will enable us to achieve: further developing our range of innovative products and making them more readily available to the market, servicing new and existing customers."

The use of turmeric dates back nearly 4,000 years to the Vedic culture in India, where it was used as a culinary spice and had religious significance.

Chris I’Anson, managing director of I’Anson, said: "Our family business has grown and developed over 117 years by recognising opportunities, and working with Janine and her team at The Golden Paste Company, is the next exciting development."

I'Anson is one of the UK's most successful specialist suppliers of farm feeds, micronized ingredients and horse feeds, including Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet, with customers in more than 30 countries.