Lucozade Ribena Suntory to cut sugar content of portfolio by 50%
Starting from July 2017, all existing and new beverages with added sugar will have less than 4.5g of total sugar per 100ml – the equivalent of a teaspoon.
The UK’s tax on sugar sweetened beverages (which will impose a levy on beverages with more than 5g sugar / 100ml) is to be introduced in April 2018. Earlier this week, Tesco also announced it has reduced sugar content in its own brand soft drinks, with the sugar content of Tesco Cola halved.
‘The world has changed’
Lucozade Ribena Suntory’s efforts will reduce the average sugar content of its portfolio (which includes Ribena and Lucozade) by 50%. Calories will also be clearly labeled on the front of pack while the company says it will introduce new healthier drinks.
Peter Harding, chief operating officer at Lucozade Ribena Suntory, said, “The world has changed with consumers now wanting healthier drinks and more action from the brands they regularly enjoy.
“We believe our decision to radically reduce sugar by 50% in Ribena, Lucozade and Orangina, while still delivering a fantastic taste, is a great moment for our company, our consumers and the wider F&B industry.”
LRS is also investing £30m ($37m) over the next three years to ‘inspire people to move more’, with part of the investment supporting disadvantaged groups to access sport through charity partners.
