Coleford Lucozade factory staff agree new deal to end strike

The strike was the first at the site since the 1970s

Workers at a factory that makes Lucozade and Ribena have ended strike action after agreeing a new pay deal.

Members of the Unite union took action against their employer, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, in Coleford, Gloucestershire.

Unite said the strike had been stopped after a 5.5% pay increase was agreed.

Suntory's Karl Ottomar said the agreement "represents a generous offer" to employees and "cements our position as a top employer in the region".

He added: "We're pleased that our focus can now be directed to strengthening our customer service and producing Lucozade and Ribena drinks in the heart of the Forest of Dean."

The factory in Coleford, Gloucestershire, makes soft drinks including Ribena and Lucozade

More than 180 workers took part in seven days of strike action, in the first such walkout to take place at the site since the 1970s.

The next phase of industrial action had been due to begin on Wednesday and last until 7 March but has now been called-off.

Unite said the strikes came about because Suntory had failed to address the impact of the cost of living crisis on staff.

Union general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The unity of our members was critical. Once Suntory saw that members were not prepared to budge it returned to the bargaining table with an improved offer."

Mike Hobbs, from Unite, said the deal would help staff struggling with the cost of living crisis

Regional officer Mike Hobbs said the deal would provide "much-needed support" for workers during a difficult economic period.

The Lucozade and Ribena drinks brands were sold by GlaxoSmithKline to Japanese firm Suntory for £1.35bn in 2013.

The factory has a long history of producing soft drinks, with Lucozade dating back to 1927 and Ribena first going on sale in the 1930s.

It was featured in the BBC television show Inside the Factory in 2022 and Ribena celebrated its 85th anniversary in 2023.