International Council of Beverages Associations Response to UNICEF Report

December 3, 2025 (WASHINGTON, DC) -Attributable to International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) Executive Director Katherine Loatman:

“Global health challenges demand true collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector.  It is disappointing that the authors downplay proven sugar reduction measures and rely on unproven claims about taxes that make daily life more expensive and do not help consumers achieve balanced diets. More than a decade of global evidence shows SSB taxes have not reduced obesity or improved health outcomes.  The WHO itself has repeatedly concluded that such taxes are not the most effective measure to address these complex issues.

For our part, the beverage industry continues to advance collaborative and innovative solutions like broadening access to low- and no-sugar beverage options, supporting transparent labeling, and upholding the highest standards for responsible marketing. These efforts are working. In Latin America, between 2000 and 2020, added sugars from non-alcoholic beverages fell by 18.6% and calories by 15.4%."

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The International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) is an international nongovernmental organization established in 1995 that represents the interests of the worldwide non-alcoholic beverage industry. The members of ICBA include national and regional beverage associations, as well as international beverage companies that operate in more than 200 countries and territories and produce, distribute, and sell a variety of non-alcoholic sparkling and still beverages, including soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, bottled waters, flavored and/or enhanced waters, ready-to-drink teas and coffees, 100% fruit or vegetable juices, nectars and juice drinks, and dairy-based beverages. 

For media inquiries, contact icba@icba-net.org.