en.Wedoany.com Reported - Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) has invested £14.5 million in a new blackcurrant processing facility in the West Midlands to support the production of the Ribena and Lucozade brands.
The facility, developed in partnership with Bevisol Ltd, part of the Döhler Group based in Herefordshire, will be operational for this year's blackcurrant harvest season. Blackcurrants are harvested in summer and then pressed and concentrated for use in Ribena production. Blackcurrants from SBF GB&I's network of UK growers will be pre-processed at Bevisol's newly developed facility in Ledbury, Herefordshire, which is closer to the core growing areas and SBF GB&I's factory.
Karl Ottomar, Supply Chain Director at SBF GB&I, stated that this is a huge milestone for SBF GB&I, Ribena, and the future of UK blackcurrant production. By investing in innovative processing technology in the UK, the company is supporting the supply chain while continuing to work closely with core farmers across generations.
The Bevisol facility represents an advancement in modern fruit processing technology, made possible by SBF GB&I's £14.5 million investment. The facility introduces advanced technologies aimed at improving the efficiency, traceability, and operational performance of blackcurrant processing. Agriculture Minister Stephen Morgan said this investment is a vote of confidence in UK agriculture and generations of blackcurrant growers. By investing in greener technology and modern processing, the project strengthens the supply chain, supports rural jobs, and helps ensure the continued prosperity of UK blackcurrant production. He noted that through the Farming Innovation Programme, at least £200 million will be invested by 2030 to help farmers and food producers turn innovation into growth.
Gero Spika, Global Key Account Director at Döhler, said the collaboration brings together processing expertise, innovation, and targeted investment to create a future-proof fruit pre-processing facility in the UK. This project strengthens the global partnership between Suntory and Döhler, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing local production capacity, supporting local employment, and contributing to the long-term future of the UK blackcurrant growing industry.
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