19 Jun 2007


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Britvic opens new aseptic production line in Rugby


Britvic

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Source : Britvic
Britvic has opened a new £7.5 million aseptic production line at its Rugby factory.

Allowing preservative-free production, the line will enable Britvic to enter new soft drink categories, such as the fast-growing pure juice category, which is worth over £1bn.

Traditionally, soft drinks have included preservatives as the open manufacturing process requires them to hinder the growth of micro-organisms.

However, Britvic’s new aseptic line does not require preservatives to be added as bottle sterilisation, product pasteurisation and filling is done in a sealed and sterile environment.

A new microlab has also been created at the site for additional testing.

The installation of the new line is a significant step forward for the site, which Britvic acquired in 1987. Having produced mainly carbonated since that time, this is the site’s first foray into still soft drinks. The line can fill up to 36,000 bottles per hour.

“The development and installation of the new line has been a very complex task, involving many people both internally and externally,” says general manager, Gordon Sitch.

“But everyone is really excited about the investment and the fact that we can see the future of the factory keeping in step with evolving consumer trends.”

Two new pure juice products will be the first to come off the line. Robinsons Smooth Juice and Robinsons Fruit Shoot 100% Juice will be launched this summer.

Robinsons Smooth Juice

Robinsons Smooth Juice is 100 per cent natural pure fruit juice blended with a hint of barley, which provides a smoother texture than other juices. Available in three flavours (Orange, Apple and Apple & Blackcurrant), Robinsons Smooth Juice comes in a one litre re-sealable PET bottle (the only major brand to do so in the ambient category), with each serving providing one of the five fruit and vegetables per day target.

The ambient juice category is worth £382m, with three out of every four UK households buying into it.

Robinsons Fruit Shoot 100% Juice

Robinsons Fruit Shoot 100% Juice is 100 per cent pure juice for kids, with each bottle counting for one of the five recommended daily portions of fruit and vegetables. It is available in Orange, Apple and Apple & Blackcurrant and contains no ‘bits’.

As the latest product to join the Robinsons Fruit Shoot family, Robinsons Fruit Shoot 100% Juice has a re-sealable and recyclable bottle and does not require refrigeration.

Opening the new line, Britvic’s chief executive, Paul Moody, said: “The new aseptic line is a significant step forward for the company in both the short and long-term as we look to aggressively drive our leading position in the faster growing stills category. The consumer trend towards health and wellbeing continues to drive our innovation programme, with new product development focussed on areas of sustainable growth.”

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