Singapore: Seven major soft drink firms pledge to cap sugar

25 Aug 2017 --- Ministry of Health officials in Singapore say that seven big name soft drink companies have pledged to cut sugar content in drinks within the next few years. The soft drink manufacturers – Coca-Cola, F&N Foods, Malaysia Dairy Industries, Nestle, PepsiCo, Pokka and Yeo Hiap Seng – are reportedly reducing sugar as part of an initiative to drive down diabetes in the sovereign city state.

All over the world, soda firms have been reformulating for quite some time, but so far this has not necessarily been the case in Asian markets. However, as consumer demand begins to push more for less sugar, government officials are beginning to take action, as well as the Asian bases of large soft drink manufacturers. 

With the new move, Singapore is one of the first in Asia to officially target sugar reduction, which could see the seven companies concentrating on getting all sugar levels to below 12 percent. 

By signing up to the industry pledge, the manufacturers are committing to cut sugar, while governments across Asia are stepping up their fights against obesity and the associated health problems. 

This includes the Malaysian government launching its healthy choices logo earlier this year, while the Philippines has followed the example of many European governments and US state agencies, by introducing a levy on sugar-sweetened drinks. Meanwhile, India and Indonesia are considering similar legislation.