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Princes Completes First Phase Of Major Investment In Soft Drinks Site

Food and drink group Princes has revealed that it has completed the first phase of a planned £60m investment in its Cardiff manufacturing site that will support the expansion of its soft drinks range.

Princes_Apple_JuiceThis has included the installation of seven new soft drink production lines, in addition to upgrades and refurbishment of two existing lines.

The Cardiff site is the company’s main centre for fruit juice, manufacturing Princes, Jucee and own-label products. The facility currently produces one-litre, ambient juices, multipacks and ready to merchandise display units.

Following completion of the project – the group’s largest-ever capital investment into soft drinks – Princes’ Cardiff site will have the capability to produce ambient, mini and chilled drinks, doubling overall production capacity.

Princes stated that it will also be able to expand its product range beyond fruit juice and enter new markets, as well as introduce additional packaging sizes and formats to meet customer demand.

Additionally, the investment aims to reduce Princes’ carbon footprint through increased efficiencies and the use of more environmentally friendly carton materials.

“This is an important milestone in our £60m investment programme at Cardiff, which will future-proof the site and our manufacturing capabilities, increase production and enable Princes to enter new markets,” said Barry McDonnell, Chief Operations Officer.

“Through this development programme, we are firmly committed to contributing to a sustainable and successful future for the soft drinks industry and British manufacturing overall, and providing long-term, high-quality employment opportunities in the area.”

NAM Implications:
  • Princes patently have ambitions re greater penetration of the soft drinks category…
  • A warning for rivals to make some room available?