Atlanta, September 30, 2009 - The Coca-Cola Company today announced global plans to include energy information (calories, kilocalories, kilojoules) per serving on the front of nearly all product packages in a move to increase consumers' awareness about the calorie content of its beverages.
Coca-Cola is the first company in the beverage industry to make this kind of international commitment.
The new labels seek to make it even easier for consumers worldwide to make more informed decisions about the beverages they drink based on their own individual taste preferences and nutritional needs. The Company already has successfully rolled out front-of-pack energy labeling throughout Europe and Australia with Mexico and the United States currently in roll-out phase. The Coca-Cola Company's global commitment is to have front-of-pack energy information on all products by the end of 2011.
"Coca-Cola is the world's most valuable brand, and with that comes a leadership responsibility," said Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Now more than ever, people expect facts about the products they consume to be both readily available and visible. This global commitment is about making it easier for consumers to quickly see the calorie information for our beverages."
Research shows that front-of-pack energy information is an important tool in helping people balance their overall dietary intake and physical activity. In the United States, the new labeling replicates information that is located in the Nutrition Facts box on the side panel of Coca-Cola products, making it easier for consumers to see it, "at-a-glance."
Dr. Rhona Applebaum, Chief Scientific & Regulatory Officer, said, "We have been a leader in driving and promoting efforts to advance fact-based nutrition labeling. This new global commitment on front-of-pack energy is one more step in providing consumers with important information they need to enjoy any of our 3,000 beverages sensibly, wherever they live. Our new product labels aim to help people better balance their energy intake, as variety, moderation and regular physical activity are the keys to effective weight management."
The new labeling will show calories, kilocalories or kilojoules per serving on nearly all Coca-Cola beverages, including all sparkling beverages, teas, energy drinks, flavored water beverages, juices and juice drinks. According to local regulations, label information may also include percent Daily Guidance Indicators to show how the quantities of select nutrients fit into the national or regional dietary guidelines. Nationally appropriate terms, such as Guideline Daily Amounts (EU) and Daily Values (US and Canada), will be used when providing this information. The only Coca-Cola products excluded from the policy are fountain drinks, unsweetened/unflavored waters and returnable bottles.
The new labeling and the broad portfolio of Coca-Cola products are complemented by a wide range of Coca-Cola-supported programs around the world that promote nutrition education and encourage physical activity among people of all ages. The Coca-Cola Company supports active, healthy living programs in 100 countries. In the United States, Coca-Cola sponsors Triple Play, a wellness program in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Results of a two-year study released two weeks ago found that children who participated in the program increased their level of physical activity, made smarter nutrition choices and improved their sense of self mastery or control over their lives.
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola®, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke®, Fanta®, Sprite®, Coca-Cola Zero®, vitaminwater, POWERADE®, Minute Maid® and Georgia® Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate.