The Food WorksSW Unveils New Canning Line to Boost Beverage Production
The Food WorksSW, a prominent food and drink innovation centre in the South West, has introduced a new commercial canning line at its Weston-super-Mare location. This development is targeted at assisting food and beverage businesses in launching new products more effectively and economically. The facility is designed to meet the rising demand for flexible manufacturing options that allow companies to test and scale their canned products without incurring significant capital costs typically associated with canning equipment.
The canning line accommodates both 250ml and 330ml can formats, making it suitable for limited-edition launches, pilot runs, and scaling production volumes. Businesses across the UK, from start-ups and SMEs to established brands, are welcomed to use this facility as they explore new product opportunities. Simon Gregory, director at The Food WorksSW, highlighted that the new line enables producers to innovate and bring products to market more swiftly, affordably, and flexibly than before.
The Food WorksSW has already observed substantial interest from businesses, indicating the growing demand for accessible production facilities that facilitate product testing, launching, and scaling. The centre offers a complete end-to-end service, allowing producers to develop drinks in their drinks kitchen and seamlessly transition them into canning, thus streamlining the process for businesses aiming to expand.
This launch aligns with broader trends in the beverage industry, where consumer demand for premium soft drinks, functional beverages, and sustainable packaging has increased. The first business to utilize the new canning line is Imber Drinks, a premium non-alcoholic beverage brand planning its commercial debut later this year. Mary Walker, co-founder of Imber Drinks, expressed enthusiasm about being among the first to use the facility.
Founded by North Somerset Council and managed by the Future Food Partnership CIC, The Food WorksSW addresses the lack of specialized facilities and technical support for food and drink businesses in the region. Since its inception in 2020, the centre has supported over 350 businesses in product development and commercial growth initiatives. It boasts five development kitchens, twelve fully occupied food-grade business units, technical consultancy services, and a program of industry training events.
The centre is also part of the West of England Food and Drink Support Initiative (FDSI), providing technical expertise and business guidance to food producers, manufacturers, and hospitality businesses in the region. The newly introduced canning line significantly enhances The Food WorksSW's offerings, reinforcing the infrastructure available to both emerging and established brands in a competitive market.
