The Food WorksSW, a food and drink innovation centre based in Weston super Mare, has launched a new canning line in response to growing demand from beverage producers looking to scale up production and trial new canned products.

The facility provides UK wide start ups, small to medium enterprises and established brands with access to commercial scale canning equipment. Accommodating both 250ml and 330ml formats, the line is suited for limited editions, small batch runs and scaling operations, allowing businesses to bypass the significant upfront capital expenditure typically required for dedicated canning machinery.

Simon Gregory, Director at The Food WorksSW, noted that the new capability allows producers to bring canned products to market with greater flexibility. He highlighted that the centre now provides a complete end to end service, enabling brands to formulate liquids in their development kitchen before moving directly into the filling and canning stage.

Mary Walker, co founder of pre launch premium non alcoholic beverage brand Imber Drinks, confirmed the business is among the first to utilise the new line ahead of its initial commercial production run later this year.

Created by North Somerset Council and operated by the Future Food Partnership CIC, a community interest company, The Food WorksSW has supported over 350 businesses since opening in 2020. Located near Bristol, the site features five development kitchens, 12 food grade business units, on site technical support, photography facilities and event space.

The centre also offers short term contract hire, technical support packages covering food safety and scale up, and runs regional initiatives like the fully funded West of England Food and Drink Support Initiative to help regional producers become retail ready.