Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I

What Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I does

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, legally Lucozade Ribena Suntory Limited, is a UK and Ireland soft drinks manufacturer and distributor operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan's Suntory Group, headquartered in Uxbridge with manufacturing centred at the 80-year-old Coleford factory in the Forest of Dean. The company manufactures and markets iconic British brands including Lucozade (since 1927), Ribena (since 1938), Orangina, Schweppes, La Casera, May Tea, Pulco, and Oasis, and has expanded into ready-to-drink alcohol with the -196 sub-brand. Core production technology includes aseptic manufacturing (Apollo 5 line at 55,000 bottles/hour), advanced vapour-recompression evaporators, cleanable membrane filtration, automated weighing/handling systems, and digital smart-tag tracking for British-grown blackcurrants, supplemented by GS1-compliant Polytag QR codes on packaging for supply chain visibility and consumer engagement.

The company earns revenue primarily through branded consumer beverage sales across grocery, convenience, and wholesale channels in the UK and Ireland, plus distribution and marketing fees from third-party brand partnerships, notably the expanded Keurig Dr Pepper arrangement for Dr Pepper and Canada Dry across 15 European countries and the CELSIUS sales/distribution partnership in the UK. Its go-to-market combines enterprise field sales through retailer relationships with event-driven marketing (Liverpool FC, England Lionesses, Roland-Garros for Schweppes, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games) and high-profile ambassadors (Jude Bellingham, Anthony Joshua). Major recent capital allocation includes a £57m+ UK investment programme, the £14.5m Bevisol blackcurrant facility with Döhler Group, and a £1m+ DHL decarbonisation logistics partnership, alongside sustainability commitments including 33% sugar reduction since 2015, 53% recycled plastic in bottles, and a 20% carbon footprint reduction versus 2019.

Name

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I

Legal name

Lucozade Ribena Suntory Limited

Website

https://suntorybeverageandfood-europe.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I is the UK and Ireland subsidiary of Suntory Group, manufacturing and distributing iconic soft drinks including Lucozade, Ribena, Orangina, Schweppes, La Casera, May Tea, Pulco, Oasis, and -196 RTD alcohol, and serving as European distribution partner for KDP brands and CELSIUS in the UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Non-alcoholic soft drinks and beverages

NAICS

Soft Drink Manufacturing (312111), Beverage Manufacturing (3121)

SIC

Beverages (2080), Bottled & Canned Soft Drinks & Carbonated Waters (2086)

akta.pro primary industry

Non-Carbonated Soft Drinks (Juice Drinks, Lemonades, Fruit Drinks) (CRADAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Functional Beverages (Vitamins, Probiotics, Nootropics, etc.) (CRADAHAL), Still Soft Drinks & Flavored Waters (Non-Carbonated) (AFAFABAB)

Keywords

• Soft drinks manufacturing
• Energy drinks
• Juice beverages
• Ready-to-drink beverages
• Beverage distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Beverage Product Sales: Revenue generated from manufacturing, marketing, and selling a portfolio of soft drinks including Ribena, Lucozade, Orangina, Schweppes, La Casera, May Tea, Pulco, and Oasis across European markets.
2. Distribution and Licensing Fees: Revenue from managing distribution and marketing partnerships for third-party brands (KDP's Dr Pepper and Canada Dry in European markets, CELSIUS in the UK), and licensing brand rights within respective SBFE territories.
3. Agricultural Supply Chain Integration: Vertical integration into blackcurrant sourcing and processing, supporting Ribena production from farm to bottle, creating supply chain value and brand differentiation.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I manufactures, markets, and sells branded non-alcoholic soft drinks and a ready-to-drink alcohol product for the UK and Ireland markets. Core brands include Lucozade (energy and sports drinks), Ribena (blackcurrant juice), Orangina, Schweppes, La Casera, May Tea, Pulco, and Oasis, with Ribena sourced from 33 British blackcurrant farms and processed at the Coleford factory. The company also distributes third-party brands including Dr Pepper, Canada Dry, and CELSIUS through its UK and European distribution network.

Product overview

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I is a beverage company producing and distributing a portfolio of iconic soft drink brands. The core product portfolio includes Lucozade (energy and functional drinks) and Ribena (blackcurrant juice drinks), alongside Orangina, Schweppes, La Casera, May Tea, Pulco, and Oasis. The company has expanded into RTD alcohol with -196 and distributes third-party brands including Dr Pepper, Canada Dry (via KDP partnership), and CELSIUS. Key products are manufactured at the Coleford factory in Gloucestershire, with blackcurrants sourced from British growers for Ribena production. The company operates across UK and Ireland markets as part of Suntory Beverage & Food Europe.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ribena: An unmistakable taste, full of the character of British grown blackcurrants. First created in 1938.
• Lucozade
• -196
• Orangina

Products and services

• Lucozade Energy and functional soft drink brand providing energy and hydration, with variants including Lucozade Sport (sports hydration), Lucozade Alert, and Lucozade Zero. Available in orange and other flavours for UK and Ireland consumers.
• Ribena Blackcurrant-based juice drink brand made from British-grown blackcurrants sourced from 33 farms across five growing regions (~10,500 tonnes annually). Available in squash and ready-to-drink formats including variants like Ribena Sparkling and Ribena Summer Fruits.
• Orangina Carbonated soft drink with a distinct recipe and iconic bottle, featuring citrus flavours. Owned and commercialized within SBFE respective territories.
• Schweppes World's first soft drink brand offering tonic water and mixers with an unmatched drinking experience. Owned and commercialized within SBFE respective territories.
• -196 Ready-to-drink alcohol product representing the company's first move into the RTD alcohol category, featuring unique Japanese-inspired flavours.
• La Casera Emblematic and popular Spanish brand of carbonated soft drink with a rich heritage, sold across SBFE's European territories.
• May Tea Natural iced tea with light and elegant touches of fruit and plant flavours.
• Pulco Concentrated juice brand with simplicity, authenticity, and natural freshness, used as a dilutable cordial.
• Oasis A fun, natural, refreshing and adventurous fruit drink for people of all ages. Owned and commercialized within SBFE respective territories.
• CELSIUS (UK distribution) CELSIUS functional energy drink brand distributed in UK and Ireland through partnership agreement, leveraging SBF GB&I's sales and distribution infrastructure.
• Dr Pepper (distributed via KDP partnership) Dr Pepper carbonated soft drink distributed through expanded partnership with Keurig Dr Pepper in European markets including Italy and Spain.
• Canada Dry (distributed via KDP partnership) Canada Dry ginger ale and mixers distributed through expanded partnership with Keurig Dr Pepper in European markets including Italy and Spain.

Quantifiable outcome

• 33% reduction in added sugar across drinks portfolio compared to 2015 baseline
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Döhler Group / Bevisol LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026SBF GB&I invested £14.5m in a new blackcurrant processing facility in partnership with Döhler Group's Herefordshire-based Bevisol Ltd. Located in Ledbury, Herefordshire, the facility processes blackcurrants sourced from SBF GB&I's 33 British farms (approx. 10,500 tonnes annually) for use in Ribena production. Introduces advanced technologies including vapour recompression evaporators, cleanable membrane filtration, automated handling systems, and digital smart tag tracking. Operational in time for 2026 harvest, creating 12 new full-time roles and 30 seasonal roles.
• Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 March 2026Suntory has expanded its distribution and marketing partnership with Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) for Dr Pepper and Canada Dry brands. Suntory's European subsidiary now manages distribution of these brands across 15 European countries, including Italy and Spain. The expansion strengthens Suntory's presence in the European non-alcoholic beverages sector.
• DHL Supply ChaincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 February 2026DHL Supply Chain and SBF GB&I expanded their logistics partnership to accelerate decarbonisation across Suntory's UK operations. DHL investment of over £1 million in low and zero carbon transport measures including hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and biogas fuels. Estimated to reduce emissions by ~80% compared to conventional fossil fuels, delivering Scope 3 reduction of more than 2,300 tonnes CO2e annually. SBF GB&I becomes a GoGreen Plus customer.
• PolytagcoreTechnology or Integration · 15 January 2026SBF GB&I partnered with Polytag to deploy GS1-compliant QR code technology across its packaging. The platform provides supply chain visibility, consumer engagement tools, and market intelligence through location-aware scanning data and campaign management capabilities. Initial rollout focuses on select SBF GB&I drinks in the UK market, with expansion based on scanning insights and consumer engagement data.
• LEAD NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 March 2025SBFE announced partnership with LEAD Network, a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing gender equality in the consumer goods and retail sector. Partnership aimed at accelerating DE&I (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) progress across SBFE operations in Europe.
• Liverpool Football ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLucozade announced as Liverpool Football Club's official sport hydration partner, reinforcing brand presence in football and sports performance category.
• England LionessescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLucozade Sport became Official Sports Drink of the England Lionesses (women's national football team), supporting sports nutrition and hydration positioning.
• Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth GamescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLucozade Sport became the Official Sports Drink of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, providing hydration solutions for athletes and event spectators.
• Apprentice NationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLucozade partnered with Apprentice Nation to inspire youth and unlock potential, supporting youth development through music events and creative industry opportunities.
• Roland-GarroscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchweppes brand entered a new three-year partnership with Roland-Garros tennis tournament across Suntory-owned territories, making Schweppes an official supplier and reinforcing brand presence in premium sports entertainment.
• FareShareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBF GB&I reached redistribution milestone of 3 million drinks with FareShare, a food redistribution charity, supporting community welfare and reducing food waste.
• Severn Rivers TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBF GB&I partnered with Severn Rivers Trust to share water wisdom with local communities, supporting water conservation and education initiatives.
• James Hutton InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-million pound investment in a blackcurrant breeding programme with the James Hutton Institute to develop climate-resilient blackcurrant varieties for Ribena production.
• CELSIUScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSBF GB&I became the new sales and distribution partner for CELSIUS in the UK market, expanding the portfolio of brands distributed through SBF GB&I's distribution infrastructure.

Scale indicators30 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Britvic plc: UK-listed soft drinks manufacturer producing PepsiCo-licensed brands, Robinsons, Tango, J2O and fruit juices via grocery, convenience and wholesale channels across UK/Ireland — directly comparable scale and routes-to-market to SBF GB&I's GB&I manufacturer/distributor model.
• A.G. Barr plc: Scotland-based soft drinks manufacturer behind Irn-Bru, Rubicon and Funkin — a comparable UK-focused CSD/juice manufacturer with similar retail and convenience distribution, iconic brand portfolio and reformulation/sugar-reduction regulatory pressures as Suntory GB&I.
• Red Bull GmbH: Global energy drink leader competing head-on with Lucozade Energy and Lucozade Alert across UK convenience and grocery channels, with similar sport/event sponsorship GTM (F1, football) that overlaps SBF GB&I's Liverpool FC and England Lionesses partnerships.
• Monster Beverage Corporation: US energy drink leader distributed through Coca-Cola's bottler network, competing with Lucozade in UK functional/energy segment and increasingly relevant as convenience-channel energy drinks gain share.
• Refresco Group: European contract manufacturer and private-label bottler for juices, carbonated soft drinks and RTD beverages — competes for retailer private-label shelf space against SBF GB&I's Ribena and Oasis in UK grocery and across the Bevisol-style ingredient-processing value chain.

Broad incumbents

• Coca-Cola Europacific Partners: The world's largest independent Coca-Cola bottler, operating extensively across GB&I with the full Coke, Fanta, Sprite and Schweppes-adjacent portfolio — direct incumbent competitor to SBF GB&I's Schweppes, Orangina and Oasis SKUs in UK grocery and convenience.
• PepsiCo Inc: Global beverages and snacks giant — owner of Pepsi/Lipton/Tropicana, partnered with Britvic in UK for bottling, and a broad incumbent competitor to SBF GB&I's Ribena, Lucozade and Oasis lines across UK retail.
• Keurig Dr Pepper: US beverage major — counterparty to SBF GB&I under the expanded European distribution partnership (Dr Pepper and Canada Dry across 15 countries) and a relevant competitive reference for portfolio scope, sports marketing and cold beverages.

Emerging players

• Asahi Group Holdings: Japanese brewer and beverage owner of European CSD brands including Schweppes (in licensed markets) and Lucozade (acquired briefly in Asia) — partial overlap with SBF GB&I's portfolio and a like-for-like Japanese beverage conglomerate expanding in European beverages.

Others

• Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp: Asian beverage and instant noodle major with Master Kong RTD teas and juices — provides a useful comparator for vertically integrated tea/juice CPG manufacturing scale, though geographically distant from SBF GB&I's UK focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LucozadeEnergy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/suntory-beverage-food-gb-i

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I