How Suntory is Funding Positive Impact in Communities

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) has announced the launch of its Together for Good: SBF GB&I Community Fund.

This initiative aims to create measurable positive impact in local communities.

SBF GB&I, which produces popular brands including Lucozade and Ribena, has pledged to invest up to £2.5m (US$3.4) into communities across the UK and Ireland by 2030.

What is the Community Fund?

The initiative is centred around a match funding model, which offers up to £10,000 (US$13,650) for each project.

SBF GB&I has set up a Crowdfunder platform where applicants can raise funds, with the company matching contributions to double the investment.

The aim of this programme is to ensure that change is driven by and for the people closest to the local community.

Projects can be brought forward by local charities, social enterprises and community groups based near SBF GB&I’s head office in Uxbridge, its factory in the Forest of Dean and its office in Dublin.

SBF GB&I encourages projects to be used to promote community wellbeing, support essential services or improve shared spaces and natural environments.

Elise Seibold, Chief Operating Officer at SBF GB&I, says: “We know the best ideas for creating positive impact in the local areas come from the people who live and work there.

“Through our new Together for Good: SBF GB&I Community Fund, we’re empowering local groups to turn innovative ideas into action.

“This initiative is a key part of our commitment to Giving Back to Society, supporting communities where we live and work. By backing community-led solutions, our fund helps deliver change that truly matters and underlines our long-term commitment to drive sustainable impact where it’s needed most.”

Creating impact for local people

SBF GB&I says that projects must reflect the company’s purpose to “inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature”, in order to receive funding.

Local groups can apply for support to help establish, sustain or expand work that creates positive impact in their communities, such as regenerating green spaces, supporting mental and physical wellbeing, connecting young people with nature or fostering social inclusion.

Matt Bishop MP for the Forest of Dean, adds: “I’m pleased to see SBF GB&I launching its Together for Good Community Fund, which will bring meaningful support to community groups across the Forest of Dean.

“In the year its Coleford factory celebrates 80 years here, the fund reflects a long-standing commitment to our community.

“I encourage local charities and groups to join the Crowdfunder platform and put forward projects that can make a real difference.”

All sustainability, net zero and sustainable supply chain leaders should attend:

• Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE, these events brings together CSOs, ESG leaders and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.

Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

Expanding SBF GB&I’s community work

This initiative builds upon SBF GB&I’s Together for Good volunteering and charitable donation platform, launched in 2023.

As part of the platform, employees can volunteer their time to give back to charities important to them.

In 2025, SBF GB&I employees volunteered more than 1,600 hours to their chosen causes.

The Community Fund will combine with the volunteering initiative under the Together for Good umbrella, uniting the company’s charitable efforts.

In the company’s 2024 Sustainability Report, CEO Pierre Decroix said: “I believe we have truly worked to ‘inspire the brilliance of life’ and central to this is our delivery on the commitments to sustainability which are a personal and organisational passion.

“It also matters hugely to me that we held strong to the compass of ‘Growing for Good’ that has been part of our reason for being since Suntory was founded in 1899.

“This philosophy guides us through times that are rough as well as those that are smooth and has remained a powerful force, helping us as we make difficult decisions, this year as always.”