This summer, Britain might face a Lucozade shortage following a tragic accident that has halted its production line for up to five months. Retailers have cautioned that their supplies will start to run low by next month, with normal production unlikely to resume before September.
The primary manufacturing plant in Coleford, Gloucestershire, which annually produces a billion bottles of the popular sports drink, was shut down in April after a 50-year-old worker’s fatal accident.
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The incident led to a suspension of production across 31 lines, including the newly launched Blucozade variant. Trade journal RN revealed emails indicating that Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, the manufacturer, has advised retailers to brace for empty shelves and has halted promotional activities due to the shortage.
Despite healthy stocks currently at cash-and-carry outlets, some product lines are expected to run out by June. Kevin Kirkbride, sales director at Dee Bee Wholesale, shared with RN that Lucozade is a major product for their stores, with only about two to three weeks’ worth of stock remaining.
He noted that the shortage will impact sales, and while their buyer is searching for alternatives, no replacement has been identified yet. This issue is compounded by the fact that other wholesalers will also be seeking substitutes to fill the gap.
A spreadsheet from SBF GB&I to wholesalers, seen by RN, shows that the Blucozade products will be the last to resume production, with a return anticipated in September.
The first products to come back will be the price-marked Lucozade Original and Sport 500ml bottles, expected in June, with other lines following in August.
Wholesale company Nisa has advised retailers to allocate shelf space to substitute brands. Shop owners emphasized that the prolonged absence of Lucozade means its spot in their refrigerators will temporarily be taken over by competing brands. One shopkeeper stated, “No stock? They lose their space on the shelf.”
SBF GB&I expressed deep sadness over the death linked to its Coleford production facility on April 25. An emergency call was made at 3:50 PM on April 22, reporting that a man had been injured in a work-related incident at the plant.
He was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol but succumbed to his injuries three days later. Gloucestershire Police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the incident.
Chief Operating Officer Carol Robert said, “We are in close communication with the family of the employee, and the whole business extends our sincere condolences at this extremely difficult time.”
Addressing the Lucozade shortage, a spokesperson from Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I stated, “After a temporary pause in production, we can now confirm that our production lines are up and running, and we are working to build back supply of our drinks as quickly as possible.”
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