Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) has increased its equity investment in BA Sports Nutrition, which manufactures the Bodyarmor sports drink line.

DPS’s latest $6m investment builds on its $20m initial investment made last year.

With the latest investment, DPS’s ownership in BA Sports Nutrition has increased from 11.7% to 15.5%.

“We are excited by our strong growth and our continued partnership with DPS.”

Since 2013, DPS has considered Bodyarmor as its allied brand and has bolstered distribution of the sports drink brand throughout its packaged beverages direct store delivery footprint, which serves 34 states in the US

This has helped Bodayarmor to secure national distribution. Additionally, the brand has a growing number of independent distributors in areas that are not served by DPS’s network.

The sports drink contains potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water, vitamins, as well as natural sweeteners and natural flavours. It does not contain artificial colours and is available in eight flavours. The brand was launched in 2012.

DPS president of packaged beverages Rodger Collins said: "Bodyarmor has been a winning addition to our allied brand lineup, enabling us to build our presence in the growing sports drink category with a great tasting and differentiated product.

"We’re very pleased to be increasing our investment in Bodyarmor while working closely with its strong management team to win more fans in more places in the coming months and years."

BA Sports Nutrition chairman and co-founder Mike Repole said: "Bodyarmor has revolutionised the sports drink category by creating a premium, better-for-you sports drink, and consumers are connecting with it.

"We are excited by our strong growth and our continued partnership with DPS, who shares our goal to become the No.1 sports drink."

DPS, with the latest investment, has become the second-largest equity holder in the brand, after Repole.