Britain could run out of Lucozade after fatal accident

Retailers say their stocks will start running out next month and full production is not expected to resume until September.

However, bosses at the company that makes Lucozade say production is now back up and running and they are working to build supply. 

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 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 Original and Sport 500ml bottles in June, with other affected lines expected to return in August.

Wholesaler Nisa has recommended that retailers give the space to alternative brands, stating that "As supply will be intermittent, it is recommended that other energy brands, such as Red Bull or Monster, are well stocked on fixture and alternative refreshment brands such as Boost and Powerade are well presented in store."

Retailers were clear that the long-term absence meant that Lucozade's space in their chillers would, at least temporarily, go to other brands.

One retailer said: "No stock? They lose their space on the shelf."

A SBF GB&1 spokesperson urged retailers to "focus on Lucozade's core drinks so their shoppers can easily find these top sellers".

They added that the company is "working hard to resume service" and "minimise disruption to retailers".

A statement from SBF GB&I said it was "deeply saddened" by the fatality linked to its production facility in Coleford, Gloucestershire on 25 April. 

Carol Robert, the company's chief operating officer, said: "A serious incident occurred in our warehouse at our Coleford manufacturing site on the April 22. We are deeply saddened to confirm that this has since resulted in the loss of a colleague who passed away in hospital on the April 25.  
  
"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."

In regards to the Lucozade shortage, a spokesperson from Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I added: "After a temporary pause in production, we can now confirm that our production lines are up and running and we are working to build back supply of our drinks as quickly as possible."

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

Police received a call at 3.50pm on April 22, with a report that a 50-year-old man had been injured during a workplace accident at the facility, which employs around 300 people.

The man was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol and treated for serious injuries but died three days later.

Gloucestershire Police are investigating the incident alongside the Health and Safety Executive.