Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I), the producer of Ribena and Lucozade, has announced a £14.5 million investment in a next-generation blackcurrant processing facility in Ledbury, Herefordshire.

Developed in partnership with Döhler Group’s Bevisol Ltd., the state-of-the-art site is operational in time for this year’s harvest. The project is designed to bring critical processing stages closer to both British agricultural growers and the drinks maker’s primary manufacturing operations.

Proximity strengthens supply chain

The core operational benefit of the new Herefordshire facility lies in its geographic placement. Blackcurrants are harvested during a compressed six-week summer window before being pressed and concentrated for use in Ribena. By establishing the fruit preparation site in Ledbury, SBF GB&I places a critical production stage directly closer to the heart of the UK’s blackcurrant growing regions and closer to its own final factory.

This localised footprint secures a dedicated, modern infrastructure for a time-sensitive crop. SBF GB&I relies on a network of 33 farms across five British growing regions, yielding approximately 10,500 tonnes of fruit annually. Bringing the processing hub closer to these agricultural centres optimises handling and reinforces the company’s supply chain resilience. The project also supports regional employment by creating 12 new full-time roles and 30 seasonal positions.

Karl Ottomar, supply chain director at SBF GB&I, stressed the milestone: “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.”

Advanced technology yields operational efficiencies

Beyond geographic advantages, the £14.5 million investment introduces an array of advanced manufacturing technologies designed to elevate operational performance, consistency, and traceability for the beverage manufacturer:

• Advanced evaporators: powered by vapour recompression technology to support modern, high-capacity processing.
• Cleanable membrane filtration: This system replaces conventional filtration methods, improving daily operational efficiency.
• Automated material handling: automated weighing, tipping, and handling mechanisms enhance operational consistency.
• Digital smart tag tracking: implemented directly on fruit bins to maximise inventory visibility throughout the entire supply chain.

Farming Minister Stephen Morgan highlighted the positive impacts of the upgrade: “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.”

Long-term commitment to local sourcing

Ribena has been rooted in British blackcurrants for nearly 90 years since its creation in 1938. This new facility aligns with ongoing localised investments, including a multi-million pound blackcurrant breeding programme with the James Hutton Institute and a regenerative agriculture pilot in Norfolk.

The Herefordshire rollout is part of a wider £57.5 million investment programme across SBF GB&I’s UK supply chain. This includes recent projects at its Coleford factory to strengthen manufacturing capability and reduce emissions via electricity connection upgrades, alongside plans for a new £25 million manufacturing line in 2027.

Gero Spika, global account director at Döhler, noted that the facility reflects a shared commitment to local capability: “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.”