Consumers across the UK are facing another blow to their household budgets as the maker of beloved soft drinks Ribena and Lucozade has confirmed substantial price increases are on the way.
Suntory Beverage & Food Great Britain and Ireland, the company behind these iconic brands, has announced it will be raising prices significantly in response to mounting production costs that have made current pricing "unsustainable."
Why Prices Are Rising
The company points to a perfect storm of economic pressures forcing their hand. Soaring energy bills, increased raw material expenses, and higher packaging and transportation costs have collectively created what Suntory describes as "the most challenging trading environment in recent history."
These increases come despite the company's efforts to absorb rising costs over the past year. A spokesperson explained that they've reached a point where maintaining current prices is no longer viable without compromising product quality or business sustainability.
What This Means for Shoppers
While exact percentage increases vary across different products and retailers, consumers can expect to pay noticeably more for their favourite Ribena blackcurrant drinks and Lucozade energy products at supermarkets and convenience stores.
The timing couldn't be worse for British households already grappling with the ongoing cost of living crisis. Many families who regularly purchase these drinks are now facing difficult choices about their grocery spending.
Industry-Wide Trend
This move follows similar announcements from other major food and beverage manufacturers, suggesting this is part of a broader pattern affecting the entire sector. With inflation remaining stubbornly high and supply chain challenges persisting, industry analysts predict more companies will follow suit with price adjustments in the coming months.
Shoppers are advised to look out for promotional periods and consider buying in bulk where possible to mitigate the impact of these increases on their weekly shopping bills.
