g as an entire sector back in 2007.
GDAs are science based and rely on nutrition recommendations from a panel of experts established by the European Commission. They allow consumers to evaluate a product’s place in the daily diet and empower them to compose a balance diet adapted to their individual needs.
Independent research by the European Food Information Council found that more than 80% of consumers in Germany, France and the UK were able to determine which product was the most healthy by using GDAs.
UNESDA corporate members’ products carry the following labelling.
UNESDA members recognise that the sector has a role to play in taking up its responsibility to manage resources and reduce waste throughout its production processes and distribution activities. Soft drinks is a predominantly local industry in Europe and we aim to respond to local consumer needs, both in terms of taste and convenience. The majority of ingredients used in our beverages are sourced locally and production is situated relatively close to the markets and consumers it serves, resulting in low food miles.
Crucially of course, our products are used for hydration, and as such water is a key ingredient. The conservation of water is something that we take very seriously and are working hard to address. Packaging too is a key resource for the industry and we have taken a number of steps to introduce sustainable packaging policies as well as effective systems for reduction, recovery and recycling.
Innovation and investment in the area of environmental sustainability will continue to be a key priority for the industry in the years ahead.
The soft drinks industry is highly innovative with some 40% of the products on sale today having been introduced in the past five years.
Soft drinks myths
Carbonated soft drinks are very high in calories.
Fact: A regular soft drink in a 330ml can contains around 139 calories. The recommended calorie intake per day is 2500 for men and 2000 for women. No and low-calorie versions now account for up to 30% of total non-alcoholic beverage sales in many European markets.
Carbonated soft drinks contain a lot of sugar.
Fact: A 33ml can of a regular soft drink contains about 35 gms of sugar - about the same as an equivalent glass of orange juice. Sugar is an entirely natural and wholesome product.
Sugary soft drinks are fattening.
Fact: Full sugar soft drinks contain carbohydrate, which has 4 kcal/g. Whereas fat contains approximately 9kcal/g.
Soft drinks are de-hydrating
Fact: Hydration comes from any liquid source such as drinks, fruit, vegetables and other foods. Science shows that soft drinks play an important role in hydrating the body and that people hydrate better when they have a variety of food and drinks in their daily diet. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently stressed the special role that beverages play in the diet due to their hydration properties