The International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) has expressed deep concern over the World Health Organization’s (WHO) continued advocacy for increased taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), stating that such measures have never improved health outcomes or reduced obesity rates in any country.
Kate Loatman, Executive Director of the ICBA, voiced this concern in a press statement issued in response to WHO’s latest call for higher SSB taxes.
“It is deeply concerning that the World Health Organization continues to disregard over a decade of clear evidence showing that taxing sugar-sweetened beverages has never improved health outcomes or reduced obesity in any country. In fact, the WHO itself has repeatedly concluded that such taxes are not the best or most effective measures to address these complex issues,” Loatman stated.
She added that the beverage industry remains committed to advancing collaborative and innovative solutions, including broadening access to low and no-sugar beverage options, supporting transparent labelling, and upholding the highest standards for responsible marketing.
“By working together on these proactive measures, we can deliver real, measurable progress toward global health priorities,” she emphasised.
Established in 1995, the International Council of Beverages Associations is an international non-governmental organization representing the worldwide non-alcoholic beverage industry. Its members include national and regional beverage associations as well as international beverage companies operating in over 200 countries and territories. They produce, distribute, and sell a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages, including soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, bottled waters, flavoured and enhanced waters, ready-to-drink teas and coffees, 100% fruit or vegetable juices, nectars and juice drinks, and dairy-based beverages.
