15 March 2011
For release: immediate
Soft drinks industry welcomes
Responsibility Deal initiative
The British Soft Drinks Association today
welcomed the launch of the Government’s Responsibility Deal
initiative and looks forward to working with the Department of
Health to develop industry actions.
Jill Ardagh, BSDA director general, said:
“The soft drinks industry has proved over the
years that a responsible approach by industry is the right way to
deal with issues of public concern. For example, people
thinking about the issue of obesity should note how the soft drinks
product range has changed radically. The proportion of the
market made up of drinks with no added sugar is now 60 per cent, up
from only 30 per cent 20 years ago.
“This has been achieved without
regulation. Instead, it was a combination of product
innovation, clear nutritional information, and a focus on the needs
of the consumer that delivered. A responsible approach by
industry works.”
The industry’s wide-ranging actions to improve
and extend choice of sustainably produced and responsibly marketed
drinks are illustrated in the accompanying Responsibility
Report.
Ends
For further information please contact
Richard Laming
Media Director
British Soft Drinks Association
Tel: 020 7400 3707 / 07879 654555
Email: rlaming@britishsoftdrinks.com
Website: www.britishsoftdrinks.com
Notes to editors
1. The British Soft
Drinks Association represents the interests of producers and
manufacturers of soft drinks including carbonated drinks, still and
dilutable drinks, fruit juices and bottled water. BSDA members are
responsible for the vast majority of products on the British soft
drinks market.
2. The UK Soft
Drinks Responsibility Report sets out soft drink industry
initiatives to support healthy lifestyles and sustainable
production. It is available on the BSDA website here.