From time to time we talk to people who don’t know that the soft drink industry is much larger than just soda.  Our member companies make a wide variety of products. From sports drinks to bottled water, soft drinks to 100 percent juice and juice drinks, teas to flavored waters, there’s something for everyone and a beverage for every moment.

Industry innovation doesn’t stop with products; it extends to our ongoing commitment to being a part of the solution to the complex issue of obesity and teaching people about the importance of calorie balance.  The total amount of beverage calories available in the marketplace decreased by 21 percent from 1998 to 2008, according to Beverage Marketing Corporation data.  And with our national School Beverage Guidelines, we have removed full-calorie soft drinks from all schools and replaced them with more lower-calorie, smaller-portion beverage options.  As a result, there has been an 88 percent reduction in calories from beverages shipped to schools since 2004.  Last year, our industry launched the Clear on Calories labeling initiative which puts new calorie labels on the front of every bottle, can and pack we produce – right up front and personal.  It’s just another way we’re providing information to consumers so they can choose the beverage that’s right for themselves and their families..

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