Sofia Parente, Sugar Smart campaign co-ordinator: “It’s with huge concern that we see Coca-Cola once again using the festive spirit of Christmas to promote sugary drinks to children and the general population. And it's staggering that they have chosen this week - Sugar Awareness Week - to make this announcement."
"Childhood obesity figures continue to make for grim reading and show no signs of lowering. It’s with these less festive figures in mind that we ask Coca Cola to stop promoting sugary drinks during their truck tour this year and only distribute sugar-free drinks and water to the general public and in particular to children.”
Malcolm Clark, co-ordinator, Children’s Food Campaign: “Coca Cola starting their tour in Glasgow is trolling of the highest order. Glasgow’s rates of obesity and dental decay are far higher than the UK average. Moreover, the Scottish Government has just launched a consultation on new actions it could take to reduce obesity, recognising that companies’ voluntary efforts will never go far enough. Coca Cola should start acting more responsibly. For instance, it could pledge to ensure that its low and no sugar colas are priced cheaper on the shelf and in promotions than the full sugar Coke, especially after the sugary drinks tax comes in next April.”
Sustain run the Children's Food Campaign which champions children's rights, parent power and government action to improve the food environment children grow up in.
Sustain also works with Jamie Oliver and the Sustainable Food Cities network to run Sugar Smart working with cities and local areas across the UK.
More information on Sugar Awareness Week can be found here.
Children's Food Campaign: Campaigning for policy changes so that all children can easily eat sustainable and healthy food.
