Multinational company PepsiCo is selling the Suffolk juice farm that produces well-known juice brands Copella and Trop50 to Belgian drinks firm Konings.
Under the new ownership, Boxford Farm will continue to supply juice for the two PepsiCo juice brands, the company said.
“The transfer of business secures a future for the site as Konings looks to expand its footprint in the UK,” said Boxford site leader, Phil Clark.
One industry insider told FPJ there are some grower fears that the volume of British-grown apples currently used to supply the PepsiCo juice operations, including the Jonagoldapple variety, may be altered following the new Belgian ownership. 'It's possible they may choose to use more imported fruit, although it's too early to say. Lots of local growers have contracts to supply Jonagold specifically for Copella juice,' the source said.
Clark continued: “It is proposed that, from September 2016, PepsiCo employees at the site will transfer over to Konings under TUPE transfer regulations and joint communication process will be carried out with employee representatives.
“We have been through a rigorous process of assessing the best options for the site and are confident that Konings is the best choice for all parties resulting in a minimal impact on roles.”
