One of UK’s favourite drinks faces shortage on shelves as factory workers strike

RIBENA and Lucozade fans face shortages as factory workers go on strike, union chiefs warn.

More than 180 Unite union workers who make the drinks will walk out in a pay row.

The union claims Japanese food and drinks giant Suntory, which owns the brands, has not honoured an inflation-linked pay rise.

Unite said the week-long strike from Monday at the Royal Forest Factory in Coleford, Gloucs, would affect supplies of the blackcurrant and energy drinks.

The union said yesterday: “As a result of the lack of loyalty to the deal, workers will strike for the first time at the plant since the 1970s.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham added: “Suntory is awash with cash and it’s reprehensible to not give our members a fair pay increase.”

Unite regional officer Michael Hobbs said: “The strike action will inevitably result in a shortage of consumers’ favourite drinks, but Suntory has brought this strike on itself.”

Suntory director Karl Ottomar said: “We hope to reach an agreement shortly so we can focus on looking forward.

“The employees taking part have received two pay increases since 2022.”