Beverage companies end RTD production

Lion Nathan Australia and Fosters Group have both announced that they would take immediate steps to cease production of ready to drinks (RTDs) with high alcohol content and energy additives.

The companies have also agreed to set a voluntary limit of two standard drinks per single serve RTD container.

“We recognise that there is a level of community concern about these products and therefore we have decided to remove them from circulation,” said Lion Nathan Australia’s managing director, Andrew Reeves.

“We believe excessive alcohol consumption is a cultural problem, which is best addressed through a significant and long-term investment in social marketing and intervention programs.

“Such programs need to be supported by measures to encourage people to take responsibility for their drinking decisions.”

Reeves said Lion Nathan had held discussions with the industry and government on a range of proactive measures to tackle alcohol abuse.

“This represents one step in a holistic program to encourage a responsible and sustainable drinking culture,” he said.