Lucozade shortage fears – Update issued amid empty shelves concerns

Lucozade chiefs have issued an update on the popular drink after reports emerged that the beloved brand could disappear from shelves over the summer.

In April, a workplace tragedy in a Lucozade warehouse at the Coleford manufacturing site in the UK in which a 50-year-old worker died, temporarily shut production lines, leading to fears that shelves could be devoid of the energy booster over the summer.

The main Lucozade factory in Coleford, Gloucestershire, which produces a billion bottles annually, was forced to halt production of the fizzy drink across 31 lines for a short time last month, but thankfully, bosses have confirmed the drink is 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 possible Lucozade drought.

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Alpesh Mistry, Sales Director, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I told the Irish Mirror: “There’s no need for Lucozade fans to panic this summer. We continue to produce our most loved Lucozade flavours across Energy and Sport – which account for nearly 90 per cent of Lucozade sales.

“Production was paused only temporarily, but our lines have since been up and running and we are working hard to ensure people continue to get the drinks they love when they want them this summer.”

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. ”

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