The Australian Beverages Council Limited (ABCL) and its Members recognise the important role the non-alcoholic beverage industry plays in supporting Australians to make informed choices about their diets and lifestyles. 

The Beverage Choices Roadmap to 2030 is the ABCL Framework for industry action. It brings together practical commitments on consumer choice, responsible marketing, energy drinks and education.  

At the centre of BCR30 is the ‘Fridge of the Future’, an industry-wide ambition for 70% of water-based drinks sold to be low- or no-sugar varieties by 2030. This continues a shift that has already seen the market share of low- and no-sugar water-based drinks rise from 30 per cent in 1997 to 65 per cent in 2024. It also builds on a decade of voluntary industry action diverting more than 255,000 tonnes of sugar from Australian diets, seeing a 21 per cent reduction in sugar across relevant portfolios through the  

BCR30 sets out a pathway for the industry to continue building on its progress through to 2030, with a focus on practical, voluntary action across the four pillars. 

Learn more: Beverage Choices Roadmap to 2030

Roadmap Pillars 

Responsible Marketing and Advertising 

The ABCL members are committed to ensuring that marketing and advertising communications promote the responsible consumption of non-alcoholic beverages as part of a balanced diet, consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Ongoing monitoring of member advertising aligned with compliance with the ABCL Marketing and Advertising Code forms part of BCR30.  

Energy Drinks  

ABCL members involved in the manufacture or distribution of energy drinks have voluntarily agreed to comply with the Energy Drinks Commitment, including not marketing to children, and not selling energy drinks in schools. The Commitment is routinely reviewed to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose as the industry continues to demonstrate ongoing steps to self-regulate.

Consumer Awareness 

BCR30 is committed to consumer education initiatives to improve health literacy in communities, with a refreshed DrinkFacts website providing clear information on ingredient safety, Health Star Ratings, and Nutrition Information Panels, as well as understanding circular economy practices  – so consumers have the facts they need to choose what’s right for them. 

Consumer Choice 

The 28-year Beverage Trends research shows a sustained shift away from sugar-sweetened drinks to low- and no-sugar alternatives – the industry-wide target of achieving 70% low- and no-sugar beverage sales by 2030 underscores this category momentum and the industry’s commitment to continue to meet Australian consumers’ needs. 

Member Initiatives 

Members may adopt the following to support the BCR30 outcomes:  

• launching a majority of low- and no-sugar drinks,
• reformulating sugar-sweetened drinks to reduce added sugar,  
• investing marketing resources in the promotion of low- and no-sugar varieties, 
• adopting the Health Star Rating across their packaging, ahead of mandatory implementation, and 
• supporting portion control by offering drinks in a variety of pack sizes. 

An independent third-party assessor will be appointed to conduct the periodic measurement and reporting of actual and projected achievements by Members, with results to be publicised in an annual report.