This is a guest opinion column

Your local beverage aisle looks very different today than it did just a few years ago. That’s because Alabama’s beverage makers are working to provide more choices with less sugar, giving consumers options to maintain a more balanced lifestyle. These choices come in many varieties from flavored, enhanced and sparkling waters to zero sugar sports drinks, teas and sodas for families across Alabama to enjoy.

Formed in 1918, the Alabama Beverage Association represents hardworking men and women in the non-alcoholic beverage industry. Across our state, nearly 5,000 jobs are provided by Alabama’s beverage industry and Alabama beverage companies generate a $3.1 billion direct economic impact, according to a 2021 report prepared by John Dunham & Associates for ABA. For over 100 years, members of the Alabama Beverage Association have been proud to produce Alabama-made products that folks know and love.

At the Alabama Beverage Association we believe consumers should have access to more beverage choices and clear calorie information so they can make the choices that are right for them and their families. This approach took center stage at the recent White House Conference on Hunger, Health and Nutrition, which called on private sector companies to empower consumers to make and have access to healthy choices.

Here in Alabama, we are doing just that.

We’re leveraging the power of innovation, education and direct-to-consumer outreach to encourage families to reduce the amount of sugar from beverages. Thanks in large part to the bottlers and franchise companies across our state – including Coca-Cola United Bottling Company and Buffalo Rock (a Pepsi bottler) – today nearly 60 percent of beverages sold have zero sugar. Additionally, hundreds of brands have less sugar or no sugar at all and companies have increased the number of brands that come in smaller portion sizes, like mini-cans.

This change is intentional and part of a national strategy of bringing Americans more choices with less sugar and clear calorie information. In communities right here in Alabama, it’s making a real difference.

In 2014, two Alabama counties were selected as part of our national Balance Calories Initiative, a first of its kind effort to reduce the calories people get from beverages. In the years following the launch of the initiative, beverage calorie consumption in Montgomery and Lowndes counties declined by over eight percent. Nationally, innovative new options like sparkling and flavored waters have helped spur an almost 37% increase in per person volumes of water in the six years following the start of the Balanced Calories Initiative.

But that’s not all.

Industry launched the Clear on Calories initiative which voluntarily placed prominent calorie count labels on the front of each bottle and can we sell. Building on this effort, we placed calorie reminders on more than 3 million vending machines, fountains and coolers nationwide. Even the selection buttons on many vending machines tell people how many calories are in the drink before people buy it making it easier than ever to choose the beverage that’s right for you.

Actions like this have reduced the amount of calories from beverages Americans consume, but there is more work to be done to improve nutrition and health. Together we can empower consumers and work to deliver lasting change.

Virginia Banister is the President of the Alabama Beverage Association. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama.