Suntory Beverage & Food: Investing in Blackcurrant Sourcing

Suntory Beverage & Food (SBF) the producer of Ribena and Lucozade, says it has invested £14.5m (US$19.2m) in next-generation technology to strengthen its blackcurrant sourcing.

The investment includes SBF partnering with Döhler Group’s Herefordshire-based Bevisol Ltd. to develop a new state-of-the-art blackcurrant processing facility. 

With this investment, the facility will support the long-term future of British blackcurrant farming with modernised fruit preparation and enhanced processing capabilities. 

Karl Ottomar, Supply Chain Director at SBF 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.”

Innovating for the future of farming

The blackcurrants sourced by SBF GB&I’s network of British growers will be prepared at the newly developed facility in Ledbury, Herefordshire. The investment provides a modern and dedicated facility for this critical stage of the production process. 

The Bevisol facility reflects a step forward in modern fruit handling by introducing advanced technologies designed to improve efficiency, traceability and operational performance across blackcurrant processing.

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.

“Through the Farming Innovation Programme, we're investing at least £200 million to 2030 to help farmers and food producers turn innovation into growth, boosting productivity while building a more resilient and sustainable food system."

Supporting communities

Building on SBF GB&I’s long-standing relationship with blackcurrant growers who have, for generations, supplied the fruit for Ribena. Sourcing from 33 farms across five regions in the UK, SBF GB&I procures approximately 10,500 tonnes of fruit annually over six weeks. 

With this investment, SBF GB&I will support jobs in the region with 12 new full-time roles and an additional 30 seasonal roles. 

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.”

First created in 1938, Ribena has been rooted in British blackcurrants for nearly 90 years, SBF GB&I continues to invest in the future of the UK farming of blackcurrants, which also includes a multi-million-pound investment in a blackcurrant breeding programme with the James Hutton Institute and a regenerative agriculture pilot in Norfolk. 

This latest announcement forms part of SBF GB&I’s wider investment of £57.5m (US$75.7m) in its UK supply chain. Projects include strengthening its manufacturing capability and reducing emissions at its Coleford factory. 

This includes plans to upgrade the site’s electricity connection and reduce reliance on its gas turbine, alongside a new £25m (US$32.9m) manufacturing line in 2027.