Sugar Levy 2018: Bettavend Backs Fight on Flab but Urges Healthy Diet Education
In a bid to help beat childhood obesity, from April next year the UK government is introducing a sugar levy on some sugar-containing soft drinks. Bettavend supports this but feels it would be more effective if reinforced by educating young and old in making healthier choices.
Our Operations Manager, Ben West, is something of a firebrand when it comes to more educated choices:
“Our Permissible Indulgence policy – everything in moderation – means we already supply not only sugar-free soft drink options, but also healthier alternatives such as fruit juices, milkshakes and sports hydration drinks. We supply venues frequented by many teenagers, so we ensure our approach extends across our entire range of products, balancing nutritious snacks such as grain bars, nuts and baked snack products with more sinful favourites such as crisps, sweets and chocolate. It’s all about balance and choice, and at Bettavend we believe we have achieved this. But we can only suggest, not enforce. “
Ben echoes the sentiments of Jonathan Hart, Chief Executive of the Automatic Vending Association, and his comments at the unveiling of the tax in the 2016 Budget:
“Today’s Budget announcement that there will be a levy introduced on sugary drinks from 2018 is extremely disappointing.
“It is a quick fix that won’t fix anything apart from lining the Chancellor’s coffers. The vending industry maintains the view that a strong focus must be placed on educating the nation about maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet where sugary snacks like fizzy drinks, can be enjoyed in moderation.
“This move by the Chancellor will simply mean people will be charged more for what they drink rather than being in a position to make an informed decision on what they buy.
“The changes announced in the Budget must now also be further supported by better education around nutrition, rather than penalising the soft drinks industry any further. Only this will achieve long lasting results, ultimately helping consumers to make educated, well-informed choices and maintain a healthy diet.”
Remember, a little of what you like does you good. Contact Ben on 023 8025 5222 to discuss the range of sweets, treats and healthier alternatives that Bettavend can deliver straight to your door and beyond.