PepsiCo adopts global policy for soft drinks in schools
PepsiCo is voluntarily adopting a global policy to stop selling its full-sugar soft drinks to primary and secondary schools by 2012.
The policy will apply in all countries outside the US, where the firm has an existing policy, which will not change.
The soft drinks manufacturer is establishing a “consistent global approach” to the sale of soft drinks to schools.
PepsiCo chairman and chief executive officer Indra Nooyi says the move is part of PepsiCo’s long-term belief that schools should be “as conducive as possible to promoting the health of students”.
She added that PepsiCo has programs with schools, which include restoring physical education and promoting nutrition education.
The policy is being welcomed by the World Heart Federation and was drawn up following talks between the two organizations.
Both PepsiCo and rival Coca Cola revealed plans to increase marketing surrounding low-sugar variants earlier this month. PepsiCo said it would increase the size of bottles of Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Max, 7Up Free and Tango to boost interest in the brands.
Coca Cola says it will strive to boost awareness of the Coke Zero variant within its “open happiness” brand campaign”.
