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.

The first Sugar Pledge report shows a 7% reduction in sugar across portfolios.

Fruit Juice Australia becomes Juice Australia.

The Australian Beverages Council introduces dedicated water division, the Australasian Bottled Water Institute (ABWI).

The Australian Soft Drinks Association becomes the Australian Beverages Council.

The Australian Council of Soft Drink Manufacturers becomes the Australian Soft Drinks Association.

The Australian Beverages Enterprises Cooperative Society (ABECS) is established.

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).

The Australian Council of Soft Drink Manufacturers celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Rationalisation comes to the industry.

The Federal Council of Non-Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturers of Australia holds its inaugural conference in the Blue Mountains.

Milk bars and soda fountains flourish.

Six o’clock closing is introduced for pubs giving rise to soft drink bars in some hotels.

The crown seal is introduced.

Sydney becomes well supplied by cordial makers.

Soft drinks in Australia develop from artificially carbonated waters.