Lucozade issues update amid fears of shortage this summer

Lucozade has issued an update after fears the drink could run out this summer following production being halted.

The main Lucozade factory in Coleford, Gloucestershire, was closed in April after a 50-year-old worker died. However factory bosses have since confirmed production is "up and running" again.

It was reported earlier that manufacturer Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) has warned retailers to expect gaps on the shelves and that promotional activity are being halted in light of stock shortages.

Alpesh Mistry, Sales Director, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I said, "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," Yahoo News quoted Mistry as saying.

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.

The incident happened on April 22. Reports state 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 sadly passed away three days later. Gloucestershire Police are investigating the incident alongside the Health and Safety Executive.

Read more here.

The factory, one of the largest owned by Suntory in Europe, produces 1 billion bottles per year and employs about 300 people. Production at the factory ceased following the incident. It was said production at the factory is expected to resume in a phased approach.