Sugar

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Will an end to sugar quotas undermine a sugar tax?

By David Burrows

Health campaigners in the UK fear that the end of the EU’s sugar quota regime will trigger a nosedive in prices and shelter manufacturers from next year’s sugar tax. But analysts say their concerns are “somewhat exaggerated”.

Robots that brew beer, carbon neutral factories, and better tasting medicine... read on to see how the beverage industry has been innovating this year. Pic: iStock/stevanovicigor

6 beverage innovation highlights of 2016

By Rachel Arthur

It’s easy to be cynical about the term ‘innovation’ – a buzzword used by marketers in the hope of attracting attention in a crowded marketplace. But here we take a look at some of the products and projects from the beverage world in 2016 that we think...

Source: E. Crawford

Expo East

Spindrift finds cans better distinguish sparkling water from soda

By Elizabeth Crawford

Small changes in how Spindrift approached the fast-growing sparkling water category added up to a big opportunity for the brand, sales of which have grown 16 times since 2009, according to the company’s CEO and Founder Bill Creelman. 

Irish beverage innovator VitHit has launched a stevia-sweetened range of carbonated, vitamin-rich juices

Vitamin drink slugs double digit growth (without claims)

By Lynda Searby

The EU should “quicken its step” and raise the upper limit of stevia that is permitted in soft drinks, says VitHit’s founder, Gary Lavin, whilst dismissing health claims as “unnecessary” when marketing a vitamin drink. 

New sugar labeling a boon for alternative sweeteners

New sugar labeling a boon for alternative sweeteners

By Hank Schultz

The added sugars portion of the newly revamped nutrition facts labels for food products will provide a significant opportunity for purveyors of alternative sweeteners, an industry expert says.

Nichols' relaunch of sugar-free brands will include the feel Good range of soft drinks

Nichols plans relaunch of sugar-free drinks range

By Gwen Ridler

Nichols announced a relaunch of its sugar-free brands this summer, following the news of the tax on sugary drinks, and predicted earnings would be in line with expectations.

Sugar tax: a concept that evokes strong feelings both for and against. Pic: iStock/verdateo

UK sugar tax: comment and analysis

By Rachel Arthur

The UK government has announced a sugar tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, which will come into effect in April 2018. From public health officials to think tanks, we take a look at some of the comments and analysis following the announcement.  

The Institute of Fiscal Studies included a section on a sugary drink tax in its annual budget report for the first time. © iStock

Sugar tax on drinks: Yes, but, no, but... UK debate rages on

By David Burrows

The UK's Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has taken an over-simplified approach to its analysis on the pros and cons of a sugary drink tax by not looking at evidence from similar policies in Europe, the US and Mexico, say researchers.

Scientists find way to make sweetest sweetener taste sweeter

Japan

Scientists find way to make sweetest sweetener taste sweeter

By RJ Whitehead

Japanese researchers have devised a method to make one of the sweetest natural sweeteners even sweeter in a development that will be seen as a breakthrough at a time when consumers are moving away from sugar.

Public Health England report: Key points and reactions

Public Health England report: Key points and reactions

By Niamh Michail

"No single action will be effective in reducing sugar intakes," concludes Public Health England's report which recommends cutting price promotions, junk food advertising and setting a sugar tax. We look at some reactions to the findings.