FROM next year the famous Ribena drink made in Coleford will contain half the sugar it has now.

Peter Harding, chief operating officer at Lucozade Ribena Suntory (LRS), said: “Fifty per cent of the sugar in the drink will be removed and the company’s existing and new added sugar drinks will be reformulated to contain less than 4.5g of total sugar per 100ml. All drinks made by LRS, including those at its main UK site in Coleford, will be developed with consumers’ health and wellbeing in mind.”

Forest MP, Mark Harper, said: “I’m really pleased that LRS is significantly reducing the added sugar in their much-loved brands, including Ribena and Lucozade. They are a valuable local employer, and this announcement is a good one for the company and their dedicated workforce.”

Mr Harding added: “Alongside this, LRS is investing £30 million over the next three years to help get the nation moving more. Part of the investment will support disadvantaged groups to access sport through its charity partners, and it will also extend to all employees of LRS.”

The announcement is not linked to the transformation programme that is ongoing at Coleford.