Clear on Calories Initiative
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Blog: Sip & Savorview all posts
Worth a Read – Congressman DesJarlais Demands Answers From HHS
May 18, 2012
We've written before about the political-style smear campaigns aimed at sugar-sweetened beverages - and the fact that they are funded by taxpayer dollars.
Yesterday, U.S. Representative Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) wrote about this issue in a letter addressed to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Rep. DesJarlais asked for information on the use of federal funds in lobbying and public advocacy efforts attacking American food and beverage products. He writes:
“I was informed that $230 million of stimulus grant money was spent running advertisements attacking soft drink companies. These were taxpayer dollars that were intended to stimulate the economy and create jobs, but we're instead used to fund scare campaigns against perfectly legal products and the American jobs tha...
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News Releasesview all News Releases
American Beverage Association Responds to HBO "The Weight of the Nation" Documentary Series
“We applaud HBO for producing a comprehensive documentary series that delves into the questions and concerns about obesity in America. We agree that the complexity of obesity – both causes and solutions – is a serious topic that impacts individuals and policy makers. Our industry has taken voluntary steps to be part of meaningful solutions that will have a real and lasting impact when it comes to reducing obesity in America. However, it is disappointing that HBO narrowed the viewpoints in the documentary to those of certain health activists who advocate extreme policies and perpetuate inaccuracies and falsehoods about our industry and its beverages.”
moreBeverage Industry Responds to British Medical Journal Paper on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes
“Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages will not reduce obesity, nor will it have a truly meaningful impact on obesity-related health conditions. There is a vast body of available science to support this. For instance, a review by George Mason University researchers showed that even a 20 percent tax on soda would reduce an obese person’s Body Mass Index from 40 to 39.98 – an amount not even measurable on a bathroom scale.
Singling out one set of products in such an overly simplistic manner only undermines efforts to combat this complex issue. Consumers do not support these taxes and recognize them for what they truly are – a money grab to raise revenue.”
moreAmerican Beverage Association Responds to Latest Institute of Medicine Report
“Obesity is a serious public health issue facing our nation, and we all must work together to solve it. We commend the Committee for their systematic analysis and for recognizing that physical activity plays an important role in a comprehensive solution. However, advocating discriminatory policies that uniquely focus on sugar-sweetened beverages is the wrong approach. In fact, government data shows that sugar-sweetened beverages account for only 7 percent of the calories in the average American’s diet, and have been declining for more than a decade while obesity continued to rise. Focusing on a small and declining source of calories in the diet is a wrong-headed approach that distracts from meaningful solutions that promote healthier diets overall, as well as increased physical activity."
moreAmerican Beverage Association Responds to General Dentistry Paper
“This study was not conducted on humans and in no way mirrors reality. The authors used slices of tooth enamel samples from extracted molars, and then placed them in petri dishes of liquid for extended periods of time. People do not keep any kind of liquid in their mouths for 15 minute intervals over five day periods. Thus, the findings of this paper simply cannot be applied to real life situations. Furthermore, it is irresponsible to blame foods, beverages or any other single factor for enamel loss and tooth decay (dental caries or cavities). Science tells us that individual susceptibility to both dental cavities and tooth erosion varies depending on a person’s dental hygiene behavior, lifestyle, total diet and genetic make-up.”
moreToday's SmartBrief
U.S. bottled water sales reach new heights in 2011
U.S. sales of bottled water grew 4.1% in 2011 to a record 9.1 billion gallons sold, an average of 29.2 gallons, or 222 half-liter bottles, per person. "Americans are drinking more bottled water because they find it convenient, appealing and also healthy," said Gary Hemphill, managing director for information services at Beverage Marketing. National Geographic (5/2012)Coca-Cola and illycafe partner on bottled coffee
Coca-Cola and illycafe are collaborating on espresso-style drink illy issimo in a resealable glass bottle. The drink is offered in Latte Macchiato, Cappuccino and Mochaccino flavors and contains 110 to 120 calories. CSP (5/17)Beverage brands have largest Facebook followings
Three of the five brands with the most Facebook fans are beverage brands, according to research from Socialbakers. Coca-Cola is on top with 42 million fans, followed by Starbucks with 30 million and Red Bull with 28 million. BevNet.com (5/17)XingTea Blueberry wins in green tea category
XingTea Blueberry won first prize in the ready-to-drink flavored green tea category at the North American Tea Championship. The drink from New Age Beverage received a score of 85 out of 100 on characteristics including flavor, body, clarity, balance and color. BevNet.com (5/17) Click Here to Receive ABA SmartBrief AlertsWorth a Watch...
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