Press releases

05 April 2018

No evidence to suggest tax will reduce obesity

While the British Soft Drinks Association recognises health issues associated with obesity are a serious matter, it is important to note that obesity is a complex issue with a number of factors. There is no evidence to suggest a tax will reduce...

29 March 2018

Government plans deposit return scheme

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has confirmed plans to introduce a deposit return scheme (DRS) for single-use drinks containers. In response to the announcement, Gavin Partington, Director General at British Soft Drinks Association, said...

23 March 2018

Industry responds to Nutrient Profile Model review

Gavin Partington, Director General at British Soft Drinks Association, has responded to Public Health England's review of the UK Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM) Consultation. He said: "Given that PHE continue to recommend 150ml of fruit juic...

16 March 2018

Government data shows 15% reduction in children's sugar intake from soft drinks

BSDA’s response to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) by Public Health England from Director General, Gavin Partington. He said: “We welcome the news from today’s NDNS data showing sugar intake from soft drinks...

15 March 2018

BSDA stands by the safety of bottled water

Orb Media, a non-profit news organisation based in Washington, DC, has tested 259 bottles of packaged water from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas for the presence of plastic contaminants. Research was carried out at the State Universi...

13 March 2018

Chancellor announces new environmental initiatives in Spring Statement

In his Spring Statement, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced a call for evidence on using the tax system or charges to address single-use plastic waste. The review will look broadly across the whole supply chain, from production and retail...

25 January 2018

National drinking water network launches

City to Sea has announced that it will launch a national programme to provide free drinking water for consumers on-the-go. The network will provide free water refill stations in shops, cafes, businesses and water fountains across England un...

11 January 2018

Government launches 25-Year Environment Plan

Prime Minister Theresa May has launched the Government’s 25-Year Environment Plan for England. Under the Government's plan, there will be an extension of the 5p charge for plastic carrier bags to all retailers in England, supermarkets...

04 January 2018

Waitrose introduces new energy drinks policy

Waitrose has announced plans to introduce minimum age limit on sales of high-caffeine energy drinks. From 5 March 2018, customers buying caffeinated energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre will be asked to prove they are o...

03 January 2018

Industry responds to ban on 'sugary drinks' in hospitals

Gavin Partington, BSDA Director General, said:  "We fully support the aims of the NHS in providing affordable, healthy food and drink for those under its care. However, it is hard to see how a ban on soft drinks can be justified given...