Lucozade update amid fears that drink could vanish from shelves over summer

Lucozade bosses have issued an update following reports that the beloved brand could disappear from shelves over the summer.

Production lines were temporarily closed in April following a workplace tragedy in a Lucozade warehouse at the UK’s Coleford manufacturing site, in which a 50-year-old worker died. Following the manufacturing disruption there were fears that the energy boosting drink would be absent from shelves over the summer.

The Coleford plant produces a billion bottles of Lucozade every year and 31 production lines were closed after the fatal accident – but bosses have confirmed the drink is now back in production.

The Daily Record reports that Lucozade parent company Suntory warned retailers they should expect gaps in shelves – in emails seen by the trade journal RN. The magazine also reported that promotional activity was allegedly paused due to stock shortages – leading to fears of a forthcoming Lucozade drought.

Lucozade also said that their thoughts remain with the family of their colleague who tragically passed in April following the workplace incident.

Carol Robert, Chief Operating Officer, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I said: “A serious incident occurred in our warehouse at our Coleford manufacturing site on 22 April. We are deeply saddened to confirm that this has since resulted in the loss of a colleague who passed away in hospital on 25 April.

“We are in close communication with the family of the employee and the whole business extends our sincere condolences at this extremely difficult time. We are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation by the regulator. Given that it is very much a live investigation, it would not be appropriate to comment further.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of our colleague, and we would also ask that their privacy is respected at this time.”