Today, Lucozade Ribena Suntory (LRS), makers of iconic brands Lucozade and Ribena at Coleford, demonstrated its commitment to encouraging healthier lifestyles with the launch of a new health and wellbeing plan for the UK and Ireland.
Their plan focuses on four main areas: healthier drinks, consumer communication, getting the UK taking more exercise and workplace health.
All drinks made by LRS – including those at its main UK site in Coleford – will be developed with consumers’ health and wellbeing in mind. Starting from July 2017, all existing and new drinks containing added sugar will have less than 4.5g of total sugar per 100ml (that’s approximately a teaspoon) — and zero and low calorie alternatives will be available for each brand. In total, LRS will reduce the average sugar content of its portfolio by 50%.
Peter Harding, Chief Operating Officer at Lucozade Ribena Suntory, said:
“Today’s announcement is a game-changer for our business and for those people who love and enjoy our drinks. 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 percent in Ribena, Lucozade and Orangina, while still delivering a fantastic taste, is a great moment for our company, our loyal consumers and for the wider food and drink industry. I’m also excited to reaffirm our passion for inspiring people to move more with our multi-million pound investment over the next three years.”
Mark Harper, MP for Forest of Dean, commented:
“I’m really pleased that Lucozade Ribena Suntory is showing real leadership and significantly reducing the added sugar in their much-loved brands, including Ribena and Lucozade. They are a valuable local employer, and this announcement is a good one for the company and their dedicated workforce.”
Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP, said:
“I really welcome this announcement from Lucozade Ribena Suntory – it’s action that proves taking added sugar out of drinks is both possible and meets the expectations of many consumers. What’s more, this is exactly the kind of responsible step that is crucial in our fight against obesity, and is part of building a healthier nation for the future.”
The health & wellbeing plan also includes action on labelling. All drinks made at Coleford will clearly display calories on front of pack to help consumers to make informed choices, and any new added sugar drinks launched by the company will have less than 4.5g total sugar per 100ml.
Alongside this, LRS is investing £30 million over the next three years to help get the nation moving more. Part of the investment will support disadvantaged groups to access sport through its charity partners, and it will also extend to all employees of LRS.
I raised this news at Health Questions in the House of Commons: