Beverages Groups Council Opposes Higher Taxes On Sugary Drinks

The International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) has criticised the World Health Organisation’s 2025 Global Report on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Taxes, which calls on governments to significantly increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol.

The ICBA executive director, Katherine Loatman, in a statement, said the association was disappointed with what she described as the WHO’s continued emphasis on taxation rather than on proven sugar-reduction strategies, such as product reformulation and smaller portion sizes.

Loatman said more than a decade of global experience shows that beverage taxes have not reduced obesity rates or delivered improved health outcomes. While noting that ICBA shares the goal of reducing non-communicable diseases, she said governments should prioritise cost-effective interventions supported by substantial evidence, adding that WHO itself has previously concluded that such taxes are not among its so-called “Best Buy” health policies.

She added that the beverage industry would continue to pursue collaborative approaches, including expanding access to low- and no-sugar beverage options, promoting clear and transparent labelling, and maintaining responsible marketing standards.