Britain could run out of Lucozade this summer after a fatal accident shut its production line for up to five months. Retailers say their stocks will start running out next month and full production is not expected to resume until September. The main factory in Coleford, Gloucestershire - which produces a billion bottles of the sports drink a year - was closed in April after a 50-year-old worker died.
Production was halted across 31 lines, including the brand's popular new Blucozade drink. In emails seen by the trade journal RN, manufacturer Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) has warned retailers to expect gaps on the shelves. Promotional activity has been halted in light of stock shortages, the magazine reported.
While cash-and-carry stocks are currently said to be 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, seen by RN, shows its new Blucozade products will be the last lines to re-enter production, with an expected return date of September.
The products expected to resume production first are its price-marked Lucozade Origina.
