Date: 11 July 2025 Statement attributable to Geoff Parker, CEO of the Australian Beverages Council Limited (ABCL) As the peak body representing the non-alcoholic beverages industry, the Australian Beverages Council rejects the recent calls for a sugar tax to address obesity. This outdated policy proposal overlooks shifting consumer behaviour, supported by government data, the broad […]

The ABCL has made a submission to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) in response to Application A1318. This application seeks approval for the use of three new enzymes – produced using genetically modified Escherichia coli BL21 – as processing aids for the enzymatic conversion of rebaudioside A to rebaudioside M, a high-quality steviol glycoside. […]

The ABCL has made a submission to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) in response to Proposal P1056 – Caffeine Review: 2nd Call for Submissions. FSANZ is reviewing the current permissions for caffeine in sports foods and the general food supply and has released a draft variation to the Food Standards Code. Proposal P1056 aims […]

The ABCL made a submission to the Inquiry into Improving Queensland’s Container Refund Scheme, conducted by the Queensland Health, Environment and Innovation Committee. This inquiry, announced on 20 February 2025 by the Hon Andrew Powell MP, is examining the efficiency and effectiveness of the scheme, including administration by Container Exchange (COEX), container recovery targets, accessibility […]

Date: 29 March 2025 The Australian Beverages Council Limited (ABCL) today welcomes the government’s announcement of a $20 million investment into promoting Australian manufactured goods. Australia is a hothouse for the creation of quality, innovative non-alcoholic drinks that are meeting changing consumer demands not just in Australia, but around the world. ABCL CEO, Geoff Parker […]

Date: 26 February 2025 Following an inquiry into Food and Beverage Manufacturing in Australia, the Australian Beverages Council Limited (ABCL) welcomes the release of the Food for Thought committee report. This report accurately acknowledges the high-quality food and beverage offering in Australia, while also recognising the challenges facing our industry.   The ABCL particularly welcomes the […]