Suntory: Making Ribena with Sustainable UK Blackcurrants

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, the producer of popular UK drinks brands Ribena and Lucozade, has committed to upgrading blackcurrant processing technology in the UK, saying the investment could strengthen supply chain resilience for British fruit farming.

The company has partnered with Döhler Group's Bevisol to develop a processing facility in Herefordshire. The site will handle fruit preparation for Ribena production using what Suntory describes as modernised processing capabilities.

Facility upgrades target efficiency

The Ledbury facility will process blackcurrants from Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I's network of British growers. According to the company, the investment provides dedicated infrastructure for fruit preparation within the production process.

Bevisol's facility introduces technologies designed to improve efficiency and traceability in blackcurrant handling. The company says the equipment represents a step forward in modern fruit processing.

Karl Ottomar, Supply Chain Director at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, says: "This is a huge milestone for SBF GB&I, Ribena and the future of British blackcurrant production.

"By investing in innovative processing here in the UK, we are supporting our supply chain while continuing to work closely with the farmers who have been at the heart of Ribena for generations."

According to Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, the investment aims to improve operational performance across the blackcurrant processing system. The facility could enhance the long-term viability of British blackcurrant agriculture through upgraded infrastructure.

Regional employment expands

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I sources fruit from 33 farms across five UK regions. The company procures approximately 10,500 tonnes of blackcurrants annually during a six-week harvest period.

The facility investment will create 12 full-time positions and 30 seasonal roles in the region. The company maintains long-standing relationships with growers who have supplied fruit for Ribena for multiple generations.

Gero Spika, Global Account Director at Döhler, says: "Our partnership with SBF GB&I brings together processing expertise, innovation and targeted investment in a future-ready facility for UK fruit preparation.

"This project strengthens our global partnership with Suntory while reflecting our shared commitment to enhancing local production capabilities, supporting jobs in the region and contributing to the long-term future of British blackcurrant farming."

UK Farming Minister Stephen Morgan says: "This investment is a vote of confidence in British farming and the generations of blackcurrant growers whose fruit has helped make Ribena a household name.

"By investing in greener technology and modern processing, projects such as this strengthen UK supply chains, support rural jobs and help ensure British blackcurrant production continues to thrive for years to come."

Wider sustainability programme continues

Ribena has used British blackcurrants since its creation in 1938. Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I says it continues to invest in UK blackcurrant farming infrastructure.

The company has funded a blackcurrant breeding programme with the James Hutton Institute. It has also launched a regenerative agriculture pilot project in Norfolk.

The blackcurrant facility forms part of Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I's wider £57.5m (US$72.5m) investment in UK supply chain infrastructure.

Other projects include improvements to manufacturing capabilities and emissions-reduction initiatives at the company's Coleford factory.

According to the Farming Innovation Programme, the Government is investing at least £200m (US$252m) to 2030 to support farmers and food producers.

The funding targets productivity improvements and a more sustainable food system.

Plans at Coleford include upgrading the site's electricity connection to reduce reliance on its gas turbine. The company will also install a new £25m (US$31.5m) manufacturing line in 2027.

According to the Farming Innovation Programme, the Government is investing at least £200m (US$252m) to 2030 to support farmers and food producers. The funding targets productivity improvements and a more sustainable food system.

Plans at Coleford include upgrading the site's electricity connection to reduce reliance on its gas turbine. The company will also install a new £25m (US$31.5m) manufacturing line in 2027.