Suntory Products is set to expand the production capacity of its Ujigawa Plant in Japan.

A group affiliate of Suntory Beverage & Food (SBF), Suntory Products expects developmental works to begin later this year, with operations expected to start in August next year.

The expansion will include the installation of a new sterilised polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottling line, which will replace an existing hot pack line.

“The company plans to invest in its core brands, focusing on promoting Suntory Tennensui, Iyemon and Suntory Oolong Tea and BOSS.”

Upon completion, the line will expand the production capacity of bottled tea and coffee products by approximately 10 million cases annually from approximately 30 million cases.

Suntory Products intends to capitalise on water, coffee and tea sectors in western Japan. The company plans to invest in its core brands, focusing on promoting Suntory Tennensui, Iyemon and Suntory Oolong Tea and BOSS. It will also develop new products to meet consumer requirements.

SBF has a portfolio of soft drink brands, which include segments mineral water, canned coffee, ready-to-drink (RTD) tea, carbonates, functional drinks and processed food.

In the US, SBF has a joint venture (JV) with PepsiCo called Pepsi Bottling Ventures (PBV).