The Drinks Business

Statement Attributed to Geoff Parker re. Sugar Tax

11 July 2025

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 This outdated policy proposal overlooks shifting consumer behaviour, supported by government data, the broad […]

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Australia’s Non-Alcoholic Beverages Industry: The Lifeblood of Aussie Manufacturing

29 March 2025

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 […]

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Food For Thought – A Welcome Response

26 February 2025

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 […]

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Industry Supports South Australian Government’s Action On Non-Compliant Energy Drinks

26 July 2024

For immediate release Date: 23 July 2024 SYDNEY: The Australian Beverages Council, Australian Association of Convenience Stores and National Retail Association commend the South Australian Government for its action to remove non-compliant energy drinks from retail shelves across the state. Australia has some of the strictest regulations around energy drinks in the world, regulated by […]

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Calls for a soft drink tax misguided and missing the mark

10 April 2024

For immediate release Date: 10 April 2024 SYDNEY: The Australian Beverages Council – the peak body for the non-alcoholic drinks industry in the country, has today rejected a call for a tax on soft drinks, labelling it a misguided measure that misses the mark and will only hit hardest those households that can least afford […]

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Statement: Sweetened beverages study

7 March 2024

The Australian Beverages Council notes the recent journal reporting of a study alleging a link between sweetened beverages and atrial fibrillation. Our Members’ beverages are subject to extensive Australian and international standards that ensure they are safe to consume – the authors of this study acknowledge that their research does not confirm otherwise. Low- and […]

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Advocacy & Media

The Australian Beverages Council provides a range of resources for busy journalists and producers to…

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The Drinks Business

Read the latest updates from the Australian Beverages Council, including opinion pieces by the CEO.

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Media Contact

For all media enquiries please contact: Lauren Melia - Communications Manager To receive communications from…

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Research & Reports

Read the latest updates from the Australian Beverages Council, including opinion pieces by the CEO.

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Submissions

Read recent submissions made by the Australian Beverages Council to government and non-governmental consultations.

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Sugar Reduction Pledge

Final report, 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2025 Over the ten years of the…

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Sugar Reduction Pledge: Signatories

In June 2018, the Australian Beverages Council announced a pledge that saw the non-alcoholic beverage…

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Sugar Reduction Pledge: Supporters

In June 2018, the Australian Beverages Council announced a pledge that saw the non-alcoholic beverage…

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Marketing & Advertising Code

Members of the Australian Beverages Council have committed to ensuring that marketing and advertising communications…

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Energy Drinks Commitments

[highlist] All members of the Australian Beverages Council (ABCL) involved in the manufacture or distribution…

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