Stores face a second summer of Lucozade sales disruption after its supplier temporarily ceased production on nearly a dozen lines because it was struggling to keep up with ‘high demand’.
Messages from wholesalers to stores, seen by Better Retailing claimed: Due to high demand across Lucozade Sport Packs the supplier has suspended production on [some] lines until September 2025.”
The outages follow a similar move by supplier Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF) in May 2024 after a death at its factory ‘compounded’ existing supply issues, which resulted in major launches and convenience staples disappearing from shelves until September 2024.
Severe supply issues expected as Suntory halts production of nearly all Lucozade lines until August
SBF sales director Alpesh Mistry told Better Retailing: “Lucozade Sport continues to grow at an extremely fast rate, including Lucozade Sport Jude Ice Kick which is currently the second-best NPD launch in soft drinks this year. The brand is growing above the capacity we are currently able to deliver across our lines and through third-party supply. This action will ensure we can focus on the delivery of our core range in the short term and make sure we’re able to supply retailers with our bestsellers across the peak summer months.”
Stores are advised to fill any gaps with Lucozade Sport Orange, Raspberry and Jude Ice Kick or Lucozade Energy Orange, Original, Cherry, Apple and Blue Burst
The eleven lines temporarily suspended are:
- Lucozade Sport Fruit Punch PM1.50 500ml
- Lucozade Sport Caribbean Crush PM1.50 500ml
- Lucozade Sport Mango Passion Fruit PM£1.50 500ml
- Lucozade Sport Blue Force PM1.50 500ml
- Lucozade Sport Zero Berry 500ml
- Lucozade Sport Fruit Punch 500ml
- Lucozade Sport Caribbean Burst 500ml
- Lucozade Sport Mango & Passionfruit 500ml
- Lucozade Sport Blue Force 500ml
- Lucozade Sport Fruit Punch 4pk 4x500ml
- Lucozade Sport Blue Force 4pk 4x500ml
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