Sugar and calorie content of soft drinks almost halved in Hungary

Average sugar and calorie content of soft drinks and juices has decreased by 43 percent in Hungary since 2010. According to the voluntary commitment by Hungarian Mineral Water, Fruit Juice and Soft Drink Association, the average sugar and calorie content of non-alcoholic drinks will have been reduced by 50 percent by the end of 2020 as compared to 2010.

Companies of the association will reach this goal by reformulation, introducing innovative products and increasing the proportion of small packaging products while constantly growing the proportion of low and zero calorie products in their portfolios. Besides, member companies encourage consumers through their marketing communication to drink in a conscious manner so that more people choose low energy or zero calorie products

As a result of the measures carried out in the last few years:

• the average sugar and calorie content of the products made or distributed by the members of the association has decreased by 43 percent per 100 millilitre drink corresponding to a 3-percent improvement compared to the 40 percent measured in 2017;
  
  
• the average calorie content of non-alcoholic drinks was 40 calories per 100 millilitre drink in 2010, which has fell to 23 calories by today;
  
  
• the proportion of low calorie (20 calories/100 millilitre maximum) and zero calorie products has increased to 56 percent from 23 percent between 2010 and 2018.
  
  
• soft drinks count only 2-3 percent of the total average energy (calorie) intake in Hungary.

„The exemplary sugar reduction programme of the soft drink association clearly shows the commitment of local and international companies to the Hungarian market. They apply new and innovative technologies and constantly develop their products in order to reach their sugar pledges and thus significantly improve the competitiveness of Hungarian food industry” – said István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture commenting on the news.

„Our association and our members are fully aware of the responsibility they hold for the quality of their products and consumers’ health. With this in mind, we contribute to reach the common public health goals by constant product innovation, responsible marketing and awareness raising among consumers.” — said Géza Miklósvári, President of the Hungarian Mineral Water, Fruit Juice and Soft Drink Association.

About the Hungarian Mineral Water, Fruit Juice and Soft Drink Association

Hungarian Mineral Water, Fruit Juice and Soft Drink Association is the professional advocacy organisation of non-alcoholic drink manufacturers in Hungary representing more than 95 percent of local mineral water bottlers and about 80 percent of soft drink and juice manufacturers. Our members generate about HUF 230 billion production value annually and employ 4.000 people directly in Hungary.