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THE BEVERAGE GUIDE RAISING A GLASS TO HEALTHIER DRINK CHOICES A longitudinal analysis of beverage consumption over more than two decades reveals the increasing influence of health concerns in determining Australians’ product choices. New independent research on 22 years of consumer purchasing data published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients has revealed a long-term shift in Australians’ drink choices with a significant increase in the consumption of no-sugar drinks, such as plain, sparkling and functional waters, and sugar-free soft drinks. An Australian research first, the study found a sizeable 30 per cent decrease in per capita sugar contribution from non- alcoholic water-based beverages over the 22-year period from 1997 to 2018, which is equivalent to a reduction in 32 teaspoons or 127g of sugar per person, every year. This study shows a responsive and responsible beverage industry meeting consumer demand for greater choice. The Australian Beverages Council commissioned the research off the back of National Nutrition Surveys in 1995 and 2011-12 that showed consumers were starting to make healthier drinks choices. The Council wanted to know if the trend would continue. The study has clearly shown Australians have been making informed healthier choices for 22 years and the beverage industry has been supporting those choices by offering a wide range of products to provide the right drink for the right occasion. Other key findings from the research include: • In 1997, Australians consumed 83lt of sugar-sweetened drinks per person per year compared with 61lt per person per year in 2018. In contrast, 88lt of no- and low- sugar beverages, such as plain and sparkling water and sugar-free drinks, were consumed per capita in 2018. • Evidence of a major change in what Australians are drinking can also be found in bottled and packaged water, which now outsells sugar-sweetened carbonated soft drinks, with 59 per cent of water-based drinks consumed being low- or no-sugar, compared with just 36 per cent in 1997. • Volume sales of still and sparkling unflavoured water have more than quadrupled, from 12lt per person per year (1997) to 54lt per person per year (2018), indicating the drinks industry is driving change in consumption that is aligned with public health goals by offering additional healthier options, more of the time. • 64 per cent of drinks in the fridge in 1997 were sugar-sweetened, with the remaining 36 per cent being non- sugar options. Today, 59 per cent of drinks are non-sugar drinks and 41 per cent are sugar sweetened. The research demonstrates an important shift in consumer behaviour that is in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the industry’s efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles, including the Beverage Council’s ‘sugar reduction pledge’ to achieve a 20 per cent reduction in sugar across the industry’s portfolio by 2025. It shows that Australians are making smart informed choice from a broad range of beverages created by an industry responsive to consumer demand. The Council will continue to monitor these trends. About Geoff Parker Since 2009, when Geoff was appointed CEO of the Australian Beverages Council, he has successfully managed two mergers, significantly raised the Council’s profile with key stakeholders and firmly positioned the organisation as the peerless, respected voice of the $7 billion-plus non-alcoholic beverage industry in Australia. He has also served on the board of the International Council of Bottled Water Associations since 2009, and in 2017 was elected as its Vice-President. About Australian Beverages Council The Australian Beverages Council is the proud voice of Australia’s non-alcoholic drinks industry, and the only dedicated sector representation of its kind in Australia. The Council represents about 90 per cent of the industry’s production volume and its member companies are some of Australia’s largest drinks manufacturers. The Council also represents many small and medium- sized companies across the country. 36 CONVENIENCE WORLD MAY/JUN, 2021