Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I is to invest £14.5m in a new blackcurrant processing facility for its Ribena brand.
The new site, which is a joint venture with Herefordshire-based white-label supplier Bevisol, would “support the long-term future of British blackcurrant farming through modernised fruit preparation and enhanced processing capability”, SBF GB&I said.
It features “advanced” evaporators that are “powered by vapour recompression technology support modern, high-capacity processing”, as well as “cleanable membrane filtration” to improve efficiency of production.
Meanwhile, “automated weighing, tipping and handling systems” were designed to “enhance consistency,” SBF GB&I added.
“This is a huge milestone for SBF GB&I, Ribena and the future of British blackcurrant production,” said Karl Ottomar, supply chain director at SBF GB&I. “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.”
SBF GB&I currently sources blackcurrants for Ribena production from 33 farms across five growing regions in the UK. It processes approximately 10,500 tonnes of fruit, which is harvested annually over a six-week period.
The new site will result in the creation of 12 new full-time jobs and additional 30 seasonal roles.
Farming minister Stephen Morgan added: “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.”
It comes after Ribena unveiled a new look and rolled out a £7m advertising push in the UK last year.
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