NEW £13 MILLION RIBENA BOTTLING LINE OPENS IN FOREST

A year after Japan-based Suntory Beverage & Food announced its £13m investment in Lucozade Ribena Suntory’s Coleford factory, its new energy and waterefficient production line has opened.

The high-speed bottling line fills 55,000 bottles an hour, enabling Lucozade Ribena Suntory to keep up with demand, including for its British favourites, Lucozade and Ribena.

This is in part due to innovation such as new dry aseptic technology, which uses heat and pressurised air instead of water to clean bottles before they are filled.

“It’s fantastic to have been able to invest £13 million in this line and to deliver a 40 per cent reduction in the energy and water required to make each bottle”

Suntory says this new line forms part of its global sustainability strategy by reducing the amount of water and energy used during the manufacturing process.

Producing a bottle on the new line requires 40 per cent less energy and water than the previous line.

This investment sets Lucozade Ribena Suntory up for future success as the additional capacity for bottle production allows the factory to evolve alongside consumer tastes.

The new line will provide flexibility for future innovation, particularly around low-calorie options.

Carol Robert, Chief Operating Officer at Lucozade Ribena Suntory, said: “It’s fantastic to have been able to invest £13 million in this line and to deliver a 40 per cent reduction in the energy and water required to make each bottle. We are

Tourism sector joins forces across counties to drive industry growth

More than 160 people from Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire gathered in Cheltenham to debate how to boost the region’s tourism.

Steve Gardner-Collins, Sales Director for The Hatton Collection and organiser of the event, said: “Sharing best practice is an essential part of developing what is a vital industry for the region.”

The event was supported by Marketing Cheltenham, The Cotswolds, Marketing making an important commitment to the environment and our consumers.

Gloucester, Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourism, Visit Worcestershire, Worcestershire Vale & Spa, North Worcestershire Economic Regeneration and Development and Visit The Malverns.

Tourism contributes £146 billion, (more than seven per cent) to the UK’s GDP. Having left the EU, a key government objective is to increase the UK’s global influence. It sees tourism as key way to achieving this.

“This investment is a vote of confidence by Suntory Beverage & Food in our UK and Gloucestershire operations, ensuring our factory in Coleford continues to be a best-in-class facility for years to come.”

Care home business boosts portfolio with new acquisition

Stroud-based care home company JAMMAC Group has purchased Longview Care Home in Truro. The home specialises in care for those suffering from dementia and mental health conditions.

The acquisition marks a continued period of expansion for the Brimscombe-based family business, which is led by husband and wife, Mike and Christine Westmore with support from their three daughters and son.

JAMMAC Group also owns care homes in Newquay and Saltash.

Mike Westmore said: “Longview provides some of the best care in the area. We look forward to getting to know the staff and residents and adding value to this already excellent facility.”