The owner of Lucozade and Ribena is initiating a significant factory upgrade as part of a broader supply chain investment initiative. Over £57 million has been allocated to enhance manufacturing capabilities across the UK, reflecting current food and beverage industry trends.
Suntory’s Coleford factory, now celebrating 80 years in operation, will see the introduction of the innovative ‘Apollo 5’ line. This new line is set to replace two aging Ribena lines that currently separate the production of concentrate and ready-to-drink formats, aligning with advancements in food processing technology.
This “cutting-edge” line is designed to future-proof the facility and is expected to launch in 2027, coinciding with Lucozade’s centenary celebration. By focusing on food and drink industry innovation, the upgrade signals a significant shift in operational strategies.
Constructed to “improve efficiency” and “reduce operational complexity”, the new line will be situated in a redeveloped production area on-site. It will utilize aseptic technology that employs heat and pressurized air to clean bottles, ultimately requiring less energy and water during filling—an important aspect of food and drink sustainability.
The new line will also be integral to Lucozade production, facilitating rapid changeovers between the two brands and enabling an impressive throughput of 55,000 bottles per hour—all during a single production run.
“We’re not just replacing factory lines, we’re embracing new technology to future proof our operations and make them more efficient,” stated Karl Ottomar, supply chain director at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I. His remarks underscore the commitment to adapting to current food manufacturing trends.
“None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of our Coleford team and the expertise from our Suntory colleagues in Japan who continue to drive improvements across the site. This new line is a big step forward, giving us the capability to keep growing and innovating for years to come.”
This upgrade marks another milestone in a series of investments at the Coleford facility. Recent efforts also include a major sustainability project announced last year aimed at electrifying the factory and decreasing reliance on gas turbines, which aligns with evolving food and drink regulations.
During construction, Suntory anticipates spending £2.1 million with local organizations across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and South Wales. The new line is expected to sustain hundreds of skilled roles throughout the region, highlighting the importance of community engagement in the food and drink marketing strategy.
Matt Bishop, MP for the Forest of Dean, remarked: “This investment is welcome news for the Forest of Dean. It underlines Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I’s long-term commitment to the area and the skilled people who work there, producing two of Britain’s most known brands.
“It also shows how our area can be central to the UK’s growth mission, driving innovation and manufacturing excellence right here, from the heart of the Forest of Dean.”
