Page 25 - Food & Drink Business Jan-Feb 2020

BROUGHT TO YOU BY
TRENDS REPORT 2020
✷ THE BEVERAGE PLEDGE
REDUCING SUGAR TO BEAT THE BULGE
Over the last decade, the non-alcoholic drinks industry has been working hard to play its part in tackling obesity by reducing sugar in many of our favourite drinks – and providing a greater range of drinks without any sugar at all.
In June 2018, some of the nation’s biggest beverage companies announced their commitment to reduce sugar by 20 per cent by 2025. This pledge covers more than 80 per cent of the market by volume.
The industry is on track to achieve this goal. From 2015 to 2018, sugar has been reduced by a significant seven per cent, a clear sign beverage manufacturers are stepping up to help people with more choices to support healthier lifestyles both now and well into the future.
The pledge demonstrates drink companies are serious about playing a part in tackling the complex and costly issue of obesity. It is also an Australian industry first. While the 2025 goal is ambitious, the recent progress shows there is more work to be done.
But the drink industry cannot solve obesity on its own. Any real impact on the nation’s expanding waistline will need more of the food supply chain to follow suit and commit to their own reduction initiatives – whether for sugar, salt or saturated fat.
It is the industry’s firm belief that people should be afforded the freedom to choose a drink
containing some sugar when they feel like a treat, but also crucially be supported by having ample choice of low-sugar and no-sugar drinks.
Commonsense nutritional information, such as the Health Star Rating on the front of the pack and the Nutrition Information Panel on the back of the bottle, can or carton, is just as important as greater choice.
While the pledge and seven per cent interim result are major industry milestones, drink manufacturers have been actively reducing pack sizes, advertising and marketing responsibly, and introducing great no-sugar products for the last two decades, showcasing an innovative and responsive industry.
It is important to view the sugar pledge initiative and the progress to date against that backdrop. While soft drinks contribute a significant amount of added sugar to the diet of people who drink them, it is vital that the concept of the whole diet is kept to the fore.
To achieve a 20 per cent reduction in sugar is a tough challenge, but the industry is ready to deliver that along with a range of other initiatives that will showcase the sector at
its finest.
Importantly, the industry is
delivering on its promises with broad support from a range of interest groups and mainstream politics. For further information about the pledge, visit australianbeverages.org/pledge.
support governments in their respective broader waste management policies.
While these initiatives are positive progress, clearly, there is more work to be done to increase the recycled content of containers across the industry.
In the coming years, it is likely we will all see some niche products – and some not so niche – in packaging made from biodegradable materials. As manufacturers get to grips with the challenge of creating a more sustainable future, a portfolio packaging mix that involves many material types will almost certainly be part of the solution.
5FLAVOUR SENSATIONS In 2020, it is likely we will see more curations in the important water category with an expectation that more fruit essence flavours and innovative formulations will be a big part of the water category.
There have been some notable rumblings in the drinks industry of products
emulating alcoholic drinks, such as sparkling rosé cola and vegetable and fruit based non-alcoholic cocktails. With evidence suggesting most adults are drinking less alcohol than their parents and grandparents, expect to see more non-alcoholic drinks that look and taste a lot like their alcoholic cousins.
There has also been significant growth in cheese tea, a cold tea made with green or black tea leaves, served
with or without milk and topped with a layer of cream cheese. While not to everyone’s liking, it’s another interesting dairy development. ✷
✷ ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
Geoff Parker is the CEO of
the Australian Beverages
Council. The Australian
Beverages Council is the
peak industry body
representing the non-alcoholic beverage industry. Collectively its members product more than 95 per cent of the industry’s volume.
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