October 24, 2016 (TORONTO) – The Canadian Beverage Association (CBA) supports in principle Minister Philpott’s announcement today on Health Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy, which will include measures related to marketing to children, front-of-package labelling for nutritional information, and changes to the nutrition facts label. CBA supports an evidence-based approach to policy that focuses on meaningful outcomes, and looks forward to continued consultation with government, the health community, and other stakeholders in these matters.
CBA members are leaders in the areas of responsible marketing and consumer education. Our industry has long-standing guidelines on marketing to children. Our members have also taken the lead on front-of-pack nutrition information through our Clear on Calories program, which puts consumer-friendly calorie information on the front of all packaging. Building on the successful implementation of these programs, in 2015 CBA announced a ten-year goal to further reduce beverage calories per capita by 20%.
The Canadian Beverage Association is the national trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute the majority of non-alcoholic refreshment beverages consumed in Canada.