GB&I About us

Unique, bold, and driven by our purpose

Suntory Beverage & Food Europe is part of the Suntory Group, one of the leading and most innovative food and drink companies worldwide.

Our uniqueness lies in our culture, a distinctive blend of Japanese heritage and European roots, and our people, who are driven by our bold and playful Yatte Minahare spirit.

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OUR PURPOSE

Sustained by Nature and Water

To inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature

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OUR VALUES

Growing for Good

One of our core values across the Suntory Group that inspires us. We keep growing, as individuals and as a corporation, towards a better world. By continuing to grow, we expand our capacity to improve society.

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OUR AMBITIONS

A Global Company

Suntory is a global enterprise, with more than 300 companies and 42,000 employees. Since our foundation in Japan in 1899, Suntory now has grown into one of the world’s leading beverage and food companies.

Visit our global company site

Driven by our founders’ legacies

Shinjiro Torii shared his ambition, passion and entrepreneurship with other founders, who like Torii were true pioneers of their time. They all had a thirst for challenge, an obsession for people and a mindset of sustainable growth, and together, they contributed to making what Suntory Beverage & Food Europe is today.

Shinjiro Torii founded Suntory upon the belief of giving back to society and this inspiring past drives us to build a better future with generosity, authenticity, connection, creativity and humble determination.

FOUNDER OF SUNTORY
Shinjiro Torii

Shinjiro Torii launched Suntory in 1899. His entrepreneurial mindset, his visionary dreams, and his love for challenges are strongly embedded in the way we do things. He continues to inspire us still today through his Yatte Minahare spirit.

FOUNDER OF LUCOZADE
William Hunter

His determination to help his sick daughter led William Hunter to develop Glucozade in 1927. This was the first drink that combined great taste and glucose, and eventually became Lucozade. Today, Lucozade Energy is all about unlocking the potential of people’s positive energy.

FOUNDER OF RIBENA
Dr Vernon Charley

Dr Vernon Charley was a leading scientist at the University of Bristol before developing Ribena in 1938. The discovery of the high levels of vitamin C in blackcurrants prompted him to create a juice drink that’s been enjoyed by generations ever since.

Once upon a time... Suntory!

Our story began more than a century ago, thanks to one man, Shinjiro Torii. This man, visionary and persevering, pursued his dream and succeeded in achieving all his goals. He created an international group that has always remained true to its philosophy of effort, perfection and the importance of giving back to society. Shinjiro Torii distinguished himself by his courage, hard work and refusal to give up in the face of adversity. His legacy has transcended borders and continues today to inspire and motivate all Suntorians. Discover the inspiring story of our founder in this video.

Our Business

SBF GB&I is the third largest branded soft drinks supplier in the UK and home to some of the nation’s favourite brands, including Lucozade and Ribena, which have been enjoyed by millions from as early as the 1920s.

We employ more than 700 people and our drinks are distributed in 98% of all outlets in the UK market. We also supply our drinks to 31 markets globally.

We are committed to helping our consumers make positive choices and live healthier lives and are committed to constantly examining and improving the way we do business in line with our growing for good vision.

98%

of all outlets in the UK

Drinks to

31

Markets

700

Employees

Our Locations

Where we are

Coleford, Forest of Dean

Lucozade Ribena Suntory Limited, Royal Forest Factory, Rock Lane, Coleford, Gloucestershire GLI6 8JB

London

Lucozade Ribena Suntory Limited, 2 Longwalk Road, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, UB11 1BA

Dublin

Lucozade Ribena Suntory Limited, 7th Floor, Chase Building, Carmanhall Road, Sandyford, Dublin, 18 Republic of Ireland

2013

Lucozade and Ribena brands and their factory in Coleford become part of the Suntory family. Lucozade Ribena Suntory is formed.

2014

Lucozade Ribena Suntory begins manufacturing Orangina in the UK under license from Suntory who bought the brand in 2009 from AG Barr.

2016

The business fine-tunes its purpose to focus on healthier drinks and opportunities to move more, starting with a major project to halve the sugar in its drinks.

2018

The Suntory Group adopts Mizu To Ikiru as its promise. Like water, we change and adapt. Every day, we turn into something new.

2020

Lucozade Ribena Suntory changes its name to Suntory Beverage and Food Great Britain and Ireland (SBF GB&I) to bring the company closer to the Suntory Group’s global brand identity.

2023

Suntory Group adopts a new company philosophy.

Our story continues...

1899

Shinjiro Torii founds Torii Shoten, starting with the production and sale of wine.

1929

The company launches the first authentic Japanese whisky, Suntory Whisky Shirofuda (white label).

1963

Kotobukiya changes its name to Suntory Limited and enters the beer business.

1972

Suntory establishes Suntory Foods Limited, our beverage and food division.

2009

Suntory welcomes Orangina Schweppes Group to the Suntory Beverage and Food Group.

2013

Suntory Beverage & Food Limited is listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

2013

Suntory welcomes Lucozade Ribena Suntory to the Suntory Beverage and Food Group.

2014

Suntory Beverage & Food Europe (SBFE) group of companies is established with headquarters based in London.

2018

The Suntory Group adopts Mizu To Ikiru as its promise. Like water, we change and adapt. Every day, we turn into something new.

2020

SBFE group of companies come together under a new visual brand and name identity

2023

Suntory Group adopts a new company philosophy.

Our story continues...