January 20, 2026 – The International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) has condemned the 2025 Global Report by the World Health Organization on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Taxes on governments to strengthen taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol significantly.
According to the Executive Director, ICBA, Katherine Loatman, the association is disappointed in WHO’s approach of continuing to downplay proven sugar reduction measures such as reformulation and smaller portion sizes, in favour of making unproven claims about taxes, with more than a decade of global evidence showing that beverage taxes have not reduced obesity or improved health outcomes.
Loatman stated that the association shares the goal of accelerating progress to reduce non-communicable diseases but believes that governments should focus on cost-effective actions backed by strong evidence.
“It is disappointing to see WHO continue to downplay proven sugar reduction measures such as reformulation and smaller portion sizes in favour of making unproven claims about taxes, which make daily life more expensive and do not help consumers achieve balanced diets. More than a decade of global evidence shows that beverage taxes have not reduced obesity or improved health outcomes. The WHO itself has repeatedly concluded that such taxes are not “Best Buy” policies, meaning taxation is not among the most effective measures to address these complex issues,” she said.
She added that the beverage industry will continue to advance collaborative, innovative solutions, such as broadening access to low- and no-sugar beverage options, supporting transparent labelling, and upholding the highest standards for responsible marketing.
About ICBA
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, please contact Katherine Loatman at [email protected].
