About
The Australian Beverages Council Ltd (ABCL) is the peak body representing the non-alcoholic beverage industry.…
Read MoreFind out more about the non-alcoholic beverage industry’s rich and colourful history.
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Nutrients publishes 28-year sales trends research
2026
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Sugar Reduction Pledge Delivers 21% Drop in Sugar Content of Non-Alcoholic Beverages
2025
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Australia’s largest beverage companies have marked a major milestone by announcing a 12 per cent reduction in sugar in the third progress report on the beverage industry’s flagship sugar reduction pledge. The industry is advancing well ahead of the target required to meet the 20% reduction in sugar by 2025.
2021
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The second Sugar Pledge report shows the non-alcoholic beverages industry is making significant progress toward its 2025 target.
2020
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The first Sugar Pledge report shows a 7% reduction in sugar across portfolios.
2019
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The Australian Beverages Council announces the industry’s sugar reduction pledge in Canberra – the first in Australian history.
2018
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Fruit Juice Australia becomes Juice Australia.
2018
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The Australian Beverages Council moves to Allen Street, Waterloo.
2016
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The Australian Beverages Council introduces dedicated water division, the Australasian Bottled Water Institute (ABWI).
2011
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The Australian Beverages Council introduces a dedicated juice division, Fruit Juice Australia.
2009
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The Australian Soft Drinks Association becomes the Australian Beverages Council.
2004
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The Australasian Packaged Waters Council is formed as a division of the Australian Soft Drinks Association.
1991
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The Australian Council of Soft Drink Manufacturers becomes the Australian Soft Drinks Association.
1990
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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles launch in Australia.
1979
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The Australian Beverages Enterprises Cooperative Society (ABECS) is established.
1979
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The Australian Fruit Juice Association is formed.
1975
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The South Australian Parliament passes the Beverage Container Act, mandating a deposit on all beverage containers (a precursor to the Container Deposit Schemes of today).
1975
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The industry asks the Australian Government for permission to produce low calorie drinks.
1971
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The Australian Council of Soft Drink Manufacturers celebrates its 25th anniversary.
1971
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Government statistics reveal the non-alcoholic drinks industry employs approximately 7,000 people in more than 200 plants across Australia.
1970s
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Rationalisation comes to the industry.
1960s
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The Soft Drink Association of NSW is announced.
1956
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The Federal Council of Non-Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturers of Australia holds its inaugural conference in the Blue Mountains.
1947
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The industry suffers during the depression.
1931-32
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Milk bars and soda fountains flourish.
1930s
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562 aerated water factories are operating across Australia.
1920
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Six o’clock closing is introduced for pubs giving rise to soft drink bars in some hotels.
1916
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Machinery begins to replace bottle making by hand.
1914
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The crown seal is introduced.
1907
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Melbourne Glass Bottle Works is established.
1872
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Sydney becomes well supplied by cordial makers.
1850s
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The first bottle blowing shop is established in Pyrmont.
1813
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Soft drinks in Australia develop from artificially carbonated waters.
1800s
Our Beverages
The Australian Beverages Council Limited strives to advance the industry as a whole, as well…
Read MoreOur Board
The Australian Beverages Council Ltd is administered by a Board of Directors. The Board of…
Read MoreOur Committees
Australasian Bottled Water Institute Committee The Australasian Bottled Water Institute Committee (ABWIC) is comprised of…
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Read MoreOur History
Find out more about the non-alcoholic beverage industry’s rich and colourful history.
Read MoreOur Affiliates
The Australian Beverages Council ltd is affiliated with a number of organisations. Through our affiliates,…
Read MoreOur Events
Join us at our annual Drinks Industry Dialogue event to connect, network and explore the…
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