Soft drinks manufacturer Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I is celebrating 80 years at its factory in Coleford by investing £2.5 million in community projects across the UK and Ireland.
The company has launched its 'Together for Good: SBF
GB&I Community Fund' this February 2026, which aims to deliver 'measurable, positive impact' in
local communities, from promoting wellbeing and supporting essential services, to improving shared spaces and natural environments.
The long-term initiative will fund community projects in the UK and Ireland up to 2030, starting with a total of £250,000 in the first year – and to tie in with the landmark anniversary of its presence in the district, it's spending 50 per cent of that in the Forest of Dean.
Central to the initiative is a match funding offering of up to £10,000 per project. Eligible non-profit groups will raise funds via the Crowdfunder UK platform and SBF GB&I will match contributions to double the investment.
The firm's supply chain director, Karl Ottomar, said: 'This fund comes from a simple ambition to support the fantastic people and programmes already shaping the local community in the Forest of Dean.
'The initiative puts people and their ideas at the heart of positive change by giving them the financial support to make a real impact.
'In our 80th year in the Forest of Dean, dedicating 50 per cent of the fund locally is our way of living our value of giving back to society and honouring the area that has supported us for generations.'
Forest of Dean MP, Matt Bishop, added: 'I’m pleased to see SBF GB&I launching its Together for Good Community Fund, which will bring meaningful support to community groups across the Forest of Dean.
'In the year its Coleford factory celebrates 80 years here, the fund reflects a long-standing commitment to our community.
'I encourage local charities and groups to join the Crowdfunder platform and put forward projects that can make a real difference.'
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