Australian beverage companies increase sugar reduction target

Australia’s largest beverage companies have now committed to increase their sugar reduction targets.

Back in 2018, Asahi Beverages, Coca-Cola South Pacific, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Pepsi Co Australia and New Zealand, committed to reducing sugar across their non-alcohol beverage portfolios by 20% from 2015–2025.

With more than 16% of sugar removed from their portfolios since January 2015, today (29 September), through the Australian Beverages Council Limited (ABCL), they have upgraded their target to a 25% reduction in sugar across their non-alcohol beverage portfolios from 2015–2025.

ABCL Chief Executive Officer Geoff Parker said: “Our Sugar Reduction Pledge signatories are accelerating their sugar reduction target not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because they’re ahead on their current sugar reduction targets.

“Sugar reduction is being driven by a range of initiatives, including reformulation, smaller pack sizes and pledgees investing in more low- and no-sugar products to meet growing consumer demand.”

Progress against the Sugar Reduction Pledge will continue to be independently aggregated annually by KPMG and a report on progress towards the sugar reduction target made public.

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