MORE than 250 million Capri-Sun juice pouches are to be produced every year in Bradford, it has been revealed. 

Princes food and drink group has today announced it has agreed a "landmark" deal with Capri- Sun Group Holding AG to bring four production lines to its factory off Tong Street, Tong.

The agreement will see the creation of between 50 and 60 jobs at the Bradford site. 

Production will begin in autumn 2024, with all lines set to be fully operational by spring next year. 

It comes after Capri-Sun ended a decade-long partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) to produce, sell and distribute its drinks in western Europe.

To ensure a smooth transition from CCEP, Princes has already started supporting Capri-Sun with warehousing and logistics services.

Andy Hargraves, group commercial director for drinks at Princes, said: "We're incredibly excited to be bringing Capri-Sun pouches to Bradford - the new UK home of this iconic and much-loved brand.

"Establishing this partnership is a significant milestone in the continued growth of our drinks business, creating around 50 to 60 new job opportunities in the local area.

"Princes is looking forward to partnering with Capri-Sun to support their ambitions now, and in the future."

Stefan Seiss, of Capri-Sun Group Holding AG, added: "We are very excited to go into this collaboration between Princes and Capri-Sun.

"Over the last months the supply chain and engineering departments were working very closely together to prepare the transition of the production lines into the Bradford site.

"It is great to see that the expertise and the positive attitude on both sides will deliver a new production setup to fulfil the demand and the quality to support the growth of Capri-Sun in Great Britain."

Princes will co-pack two Capri-Sun formats: 200ml pouches with paper straws and 330ml pouches with a screw cap.

'Great news'

Politicians in the area have told of their happiness at the announcement.

Judith Cummins, Bradford South Labour MP, told the Telegraph & Argus: "This is great news.

"The deal with Capri-Sun, as well as creating much-needed jobs in Bradford South, will also provide long-term security for the site's current workforce.

"I am looking forward to seeing the new production line when it becomes operational."

Tong Councillor Matt Edwards, leader of the Green group on Bradford Council, added: "This is great news from Princes and I am really glad to see that even more jobs will be created at the site off Tong Street. 

"The business along Tong Street and at Euroways means that Tong ward contributes massively to our economy here in Bradford and this announcement is very welcome."

Bradford Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the news.

Mark Cowgill, president of the organisation, said: "The deal between Princes and Capri-Sun is fantastic news for Bradford. 

"Not only will this create jobs in the city, but it is also a further showcase that Bradford is home to a food and drink economy that is recognised across the world.

"Congratulations to all parties on choosing Bradford for this investment."

The news comes after difficult economic times in Bradford recently, including redundancies being announced at the Next warehouse in Toftshaw Lane, and the closure of the Vehicle Conversion Specialists' factory at Staithgate Lane, leading to the loss of more than 150 jobs. 

'Centre of excellence'

Princes is one of the UK's largest food and drink groups.

Bradford is Princes' largest soft drinks production site in the UK, with around 400 employees and eight production lines.

A spokesperson for Princes said: "It is a centre of excellence for dilute-to-taste squash and juice drinks for a host of retailer own labels, and the pioneer of innovations including double and quadruple strength squash.

"The site is also a leading producer of carbonated soft drinks and ready-to-drink small bottles."

Capri-Sun was launched in 1969 and now sells more than six billion pouches in more than 100 countries every year. 

A spokesperson for Capri-Sun Group Holding AG said: "All Capri-Sun pouch products are free of artificial flavours, colours or preservatives.

"The Capri-Sun pouch is the lightest pack for drinks in the world and the company has committed itself to make the Capri-Sun pouch recycle ready as soon as possible.

"The brand is going from strength to strength."