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Suntory Holdings' European soft drinks unit, Orangina Schweppes Group, has completed an upgrade to its Spanish R&D centre as part of an overall EUR14m (US$14.5m) long-term investment.
Suntory's R&D centre in Spain handles product development for brands including Orangina
The company said it has expanded a number of its departments at the Suntory Schweppes Technological Development Centre in Tordera, near Barcelona, including new product and beverage development. It has also opened a new sensory science lab and pilot production plant at the site, which employs about 30 scientists.
Other developments include:
- An expansion of analytical, microbiology and other technical services areas
- The expansion of the fruit materials technological development section
- A new packaging lab
Suntory has ploughed fresh capital into the development centre over the past few years, including a EUR6m investment between 2008 and 2014. Between 2015 to 2019, the company expects to invest EUR8m in the site.
Along with a similar site in the UK - Stockley Park near London - the Tordera plant carries out the development of all new products for Suntory Food and Beverages in Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Caribbean. The UK centre deals with the Lucozade and Ribena brands while Tordera focusses on Schweppes, Orangina, Oasis, Trina, La Casera, Sunny Delight and Pulco.
Last month, Suntory Food and Beverages unveiled plans to boost its Vietnam production by 60% over the next five years to keep pace with growth in the country.
Sectors: Soft drinks, Water
Companies: Suntory
