New Herefordshire site combines advanced processing technology and modern processing infrastructure to support British growers and Ribena production
Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I), the producer of Ribena and Lucozade, has announced a £14.5 million investment in a new, state-of-the-art blackcurrant processing facility in partnership with Döhler Group’s Herefordshire-based Bevisol Ltd. In operation in time for this year’s blackcurrant harvest, the facility will support the long-term future of British blackcurrant farming through modernised fruit preparation and enhanced processing capability.
Blackcurrants are harvested during the summer before being pressed and concentrated for use in Ribena. The blackcurrants sourced from SBF GB&I’s network of British growers will be prepared at Bevisol’s newly developed facility in Ledbury, Herefordshire, which is located closer to the heart of the growing regions and, closer to SBF GB&I’s factory. This investment provides a modern, dedicated facility for this critical stage of production.
Commenting on the partnership, 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.”
Investing & innovating for the future of British farming
The Bevisol facility also reflects a step forward in modern fruit handling with SBF GB&I’s £14.5 million investment. It introduces advanced technologies designed to improve efficiency, traceability and operational performance across blackcurrant processing:
- Advanced evaporators powered by vapour recompression technology support modern, high-capacity processing
- Cleanable membrane filtration replaces conventional filtration methods and improves operational efficiency
- Automated weighing, tipping and handling systems enhance consistency across operations
- Digital smart tag tracking on fruit bins improves visibility throughout the supply chain
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 growers and rural communities
The investment builds on SBF GB&I’s long-standing relationship with British blackcurrant growers, who have supplied fruit for Ribena for generations. The company sources blackcurrants from 33 farms across five growing regions in the UK, representing approximately 10,500 tonnes of fruit harvested annually over a six-week period. The project will also support jobs in the region with 12 new full time roles and additional 30 seasonal roles.
Gero Spika, Global Account Director, Döhler, comments: “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. Today, the business continues to invest in the future of UK blackcurrant growing, including multi-million pound investments in a blackcurrant breeding programme with the James Hutton Institute and a regenerative agriculture pilot in Norfolk.
The announcement is part of a wider programme of investment by Suntory Beverage & Food across SBF GB&I’s UK supply chain (£57.5 million), including recent projects at its Coleford factory to strengthen manufacturing capability and reduce emissions. This includes plans to upgrade the site’s electricity connection and reduce reliance on its gas turbine, alongside a new £25 million manufacturing line in 2027.
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