INDUSTRY ON TRACK TO MEET SUGAR REDUCTION TARGETS BY 2025

National Retail Association

In a KPMG report commissioned by the Australian Beverages Council Limited (ABCL), Australia’s leading non-alcoholic beverage companies are on track to meet sugar reduction targets by 2025.

In June 2018, the ABCL announced the nation’s first Sugar Reduction Pledge, committing the non-alcohol beverages industry to reduce sugars by 20 per cent over 10 years (2015-2025). This is achieved by a reduction in average grams of sugars per 100mL.

The 2015 baseline sugars content of drinks sold by signatories was 6.02 grams per 100mL. Through to December 2021, the average was 5.05 grams per 100mL – a 16.1% reduction.

A range of initiatives have been undertaken, including increasing the volume sales of low and no sugar varieties; introducing additional low and no sugar varieties into the market, encouraging sales through promotion and marketing of low and no sugar varieties; and reformulation of existing products.

ABCL CEO Geoff Parker says the sugar reduction pledge is an unprecedented commitment that’s having a positive impact in communities nationwide.

“The non-alcoholic beverages industry is leading the rest of the shopping trolley in working together to take action in encouraging healthier lifestyles while continuing to give Australians more beverage choices with less sugar.

“We know that our pledge to reduce sugar by 20% plays only a small part in helping address obesity given less than 2% of sugars in Australians’ diets are from full sugar soft drinks. Our industry encourages other sectors to develop their own commitments and play their part in addressing this complex health problem.”

National Retail Association Health and Nutrition Advisor, Dr Alan Barclay says “The most recent KPMG report indicates that Australia’s beverage industry is making excellent progress on its pledge to reduce added sugars in sugar-sweetened beverages by 20% by 2025. They should be applauded for their efforts to-date.”