The Co-operative Food has pledged to remove almost 100 million teaspoons of sugar from its shelves by launching a ‘no added sugar’ High Juice squash range.
The retailer announced it was signing up to a five-point pledge under the government’s Responsibility Deal.
It also includes a commitment that by the end of this month all The Co-operative Brand dilutable drinks will contain no added sugar and 90% of all own-brand soft drinks will be either sugar free, have no added sugar or will be low in sugar.
It said the removal of added sugar from its High Juice squash range would reduce the amount of sugar in the range by 90%.
“Our customers are increasingly health conscious and this is just one step in helping them achieve that ambition whilst still offering great tasting food and drink,” said Cathryn Higgs, food policy manager at The Co-operative Food.
“The Co-op is one of a number of retailers and manufacturers leading the way in reducing the sugar content, and calories more generally, of their products where possible. I urge all others to consider what more they can do,” added health minister Jane Ellison.
The Co-op’s five pledges are:
By the end of July 2014, the entire range of The Co-operative Brand Dilutable Drinks (High Juice and squashes) will contain no added sugar.
By the end of July 2014 more than 90% of all The Co-operative own brand soft drinks (squash, fruit juice, carbonated drinks and water) will be either sugar free, have no added sugar or will be low in sugar (low sugar = < 2.5g/100ml).
The removal of added sugar from the retailer’s High Juice Squash range, reducing the amount of sugar in the range by 90%.
By early 2015, healthier soft drinks (either sugar free, no added sugar or low in sugar) will have 25% more shelf space in stores.
The creation of a new “health and well-being” range of soft drinks, using only natural ingredients and sweeteners, introduced by the end 2015.
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