Britain could face a Lucozade shortage this summer after a fatal accident led to the closure of its production line for up to five months.
Retailers have warned that their stocks will begin to deplete from next month, with full production not anticipated to resume until September.
The main factory in Coleford, Gloucestershire, which produces a billion bottles of the sports drink annually, was shut down in April following the death of a 50-year-old worker. Production across 31 lines, including the brand’s popular new Blucozade drink, was halted.
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According to emails seen by trade journal RN, manufacturer Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I has cautioned retailers to prepare for empty shelves. Promotional activities have been suspended due to stock shortages, as reported by the magazine.
(Image: SWNS)
While current cash-and-carry stocks are reportedly healthy, some lines are expected to be completely depleted by June. Dee Bee Wholesale sales director Kevin Kirkbride told RN: “Lucozade is a massive seller for us and our stores, and we’ve probably got about two to three weeks of stock left.
“It will affect sales. Our buyer is currently looking at alternatives, but a replacement is yet to be determined. The other issue is that other wholesalers will also be looking at alternatives to fill the gap.”
A spreadsheet from SBF GB&I to wholesalers, viewed by RN, indicates that its new Blucozade products will be the last lines to re-enter production, with an expected return date of September.
The first products expected to return from hiatus are its price-marked Lucozade Original and Sport 500ml bottles in June with other affected lines set to make a reappearance in August.
Wholesale company Nisa is advising retailers to allocate the space to substitute brands.
(Image: PA)
Shop owners made clear that having no Lucozade for extended periods means the fizzy drinks’ spot in their refrigeration units would, at least for a while, be given to competing brands.
In the words of one shopkeeper: “No stock? They lose their space on the shelf.”
A pronouncement from SBF GB&I indicated that it was “deeply saddened” by the death associated with its production facility in Coleford, Gloucestershire on 25 April.
A distress call was logged at 3:50PM on April 22 reporting that a man had suffered an injury during a working incident at the facility.
He was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol but passed away three days later.
Gloucestershire Police, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive, are probing the warehouse. Carol Robert, Chief Operating Officer, 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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