FRANCE’S OGEU COMMITS TO CANS OF ALL BRANDS

Leading French beverage group Ogeu has made a significant step into growth markets by investing in a new filling line. According to the company’s own announcement, this is a major installation that will encompass an impressive range of well-known Ogeu brands packaged in cans for the first time.

The French company has also made public the choice of Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) as a partner in the journey towards large-scale can production. The Société des eaux minérales d’Ogeu will be able to fill 15 cl slim cans, 25 cl slim cans, 33 cl elegant and standard cans and 50 cl standard cans. It is a huge range of their beverages in multiple categories ranging from alcoholic, non-alcoholic, sparkling and still, and even the more delicate products such as wine-based beverages.

The long history of the company, founded in 1820 but still family owned, underlines its dedication to quality and investment in brand building. Mathieu Lignac, marketing director at Ogeu, said: “Cans are modern, convenient and an environmentally friendly option, so we see this investment in beverage cans as a big positive step forward. Given all of Ardagh’s expertise, they were the natural partner for us as we entered this exciting new market”.

Dirk Schwung, Sales Director of Ardagh Metal Packaging – Europe, also expressed his satisfaction with this alliance: “We are delighted to be part of this partnership with a renowned group such as Ogeu. It is gratifying to see this major player make such a definite commitment to Ardagh cans, now and in the future,” he added.

In addition, among the first products in the new line are two eye-catching energy drinks, Truc de Fou and Breizh Elixir, as well as a pair of canned teas: Thé Noir Pèche (black tea with peach flavour) and Thé Vert Menthe (green tea with mint), launched under the Quézac Group’s popular water brand.

Ogeu has also launched Alqua as its first entry into the trendy and fast-growing hard soft drinks sector, and the new filling line will package all three Alqua flavours – lemon/lime, mango/pineapple and raspberry – in a stylish 33cl can format. with fresh fruit-inspired colors and a clean, contemporary design.

Production began last April and cans from the line are widely available in French supermarkets, other domestic retailers and selected export countries, with some brands also offering home delivery. Further international export is planned.

The French company has also noted that investing in its own filling line represents Ogeu’s commitment to making cans a key packaging option across all its brands, and means the group can reach more consumers who appreciate the option of canned versions of their favourite products. This new facility will also help Ogeu enter novel markets such as water soft drinks, energy drinks and canned teas.