Latest news with #DuaneStanford
NDTV
18-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Trump Wants Coca-Cola To Use Cane Sugar In Sodas, But Consumers Want...
The debate over whether Coca-Cola should use high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar in its signature soda obscures an important fact: Consumers are increasingly looking for Coke with no sugar at all. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which was introduced in 2017, uses both the artificial sweetener aspartame and the natural sweetener stevia in its recipe. It's one of Coke's fastest-growing products, with global case volumes up 14% in the first quarter of the year. By comparison, the company's total case volumes were up 2%. PepsiCo also noted Thursday that 60% of its sales volumes in major markets in the second quarter came from low- or no-sugar drinks. 'When you look at colas, the percentage of growth coming from zero sugar is significant,' said Duane Stanford, the editor and publisher of Beverage Digest. The scrutiny over Coke's sweeteners began Wednesday, when President Donald Trump announced that Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. had agreed to switch to using cane sugar in the regular version of its beverage manufactured in the US. 'I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,' Trump wrote on his social media site. 'I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You'll see. It's just better!' "I have been speaking to @CocaCola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so. I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You'll see. It's just better!" –President Donald J. Trump — The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 16, 2025 Coca-Cola didn't confirm the change. In a statement, the company said it appreciated Trump's enthusiasm and would share details on new offerings soon. Stanford said he doubts Coca-Cola will fully shift away from high fructose corn syrup, which has sweetened Coke in the US since the 1980s. There would be tremendous supply chain and logistics headaches, he said, and the US doesn't make enough sugar for Coke's needs. He expects the Atlanta-based company will offer a cane sugar-sweetened version in the US just like its rival Pepsi has been doing since 2009. He noted that Coke has indulged US fans by importing Mexican Coke, which is made with cane sugar, since 2005. Coke positions Mexican Coke as an upscale alternative and sells it in glass bottles. The corn industry wasn't happy with the speculation. In a statement Wednesday, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode said replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar makes no sense and would cost thousands of American manufacturing jobs. Shares in ADM, a maker of high fructose corn syrup, dipped nearly 2% Thursday after Trump's announcement. In a message on X, Coca-Cola defended high fructose corn syrup, saying it's no more likely to contribute to obesity than table sugar or other full-calorie sweeteners. 'It's safe; it has about the same number of calories per serving as table sugar and is metabolized in a similar way by your body,' the company said. 'Please be assured that Coca-Cola brand soft drinks do not contain any harmful substances.' The Food and Drug Administration also says there is no evidence of any difference in safety among foods sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and those that sugar, honey or other traditional sweeteners. Soft drink preferences are highly subjective, as anyone who has been in a Pepsi vs Coke or 7-Up vs. Sprite debate knows. But recent trends indicate that Coke and other drink makers need to focus on the kinds of low- and no-sugar drinks that a growing number of consumers are seeking, according to Stanford. He said his data shows original Coke was the top seller by volume in the US last year, with 19% market share, while Coke Zero Sugar was seventh and had a 4% market share. But Coke Zero Sugar's share grew 10%, while original Coke's share was flat. Paige Leyden, the associate director of food service, flavors and ingredients reports at the market research company Mintel, said drinks with a health halo like Olipop — which has 1 gram of sugars compared to original Coke's 65 grams — are also pressuring legacy soda makers. Mintel expects full-sugar sodas will see a 3.4% rise in US sales this year, while diet sodas will see 11.8% growth. Still, nutritionists suggest avoiding added sugars, no matter the form, since they provide empty calories with no nutrients. The 2020 US dietary guidelines advise people to limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, and say children under 2 should not be fed them at all. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy, whose nutrition views often diverge from mainstream nutrition science, has spoken out against sugar. His agency is expected to release updated nutrition guidelines later this year. 'There's things we'll never be able to eliminate, like sugar,' Kennedy said at an April news conference. 'And sugar is poison, and Americans need to know that.' Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are also named as a concern in a government report Kennedy issued in May.
Hamilton Spectator
18-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Trump says Coke will shift to cane sugar. But increasingly, shoppers want no sugar in their sodas
The debate over whether Coca-Cola should use high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar in its signature soda obscures an important fact: Consumers are increasingly looking for Coke with no sugar at all. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which was introduced in 2017, uses both the artificial sweetener aspartame and the natural sweetener stevia in its recipe. It's one of Coke's fastest-growing products, with global case volumes up 14% in the first quarter of the year. By comparison, the company's total case volumes were up 2%. PepsiCo also noted Thursday that 60% of its sales volumes in major markets in the second quarter came from low- or no-sugar drinks. 'When you look at colas, the percentage of growth coming from zero sugar is significant,' said Duane Stanford, the editor and publisher of Beverage Digest. Coca-Cola Co. hasn't confirmed a presidential pronouncement The scrutiny over Coke's sweeteners began Wednesday, when President Donald Trump announced that Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. had agreed to switch to using cane sugar in the regular version of its beverage manufactured in the U.S. 'I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,' Trump wrote on his social media site. 'I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You'll see. It's just better!' Coca-Cola didn't confirm the change. In a statement, the company said it appreciated Trump's enthusiasm and would share details on new offerings soon. Stanford said he doubts Coca-Cola will fully shift away from high fructose corn syrup , which has sweetened Coke in the U.S. since the 1980s. There would be tremendous supply chain and logistics headaches, he said, and the U.S. doesn't make enough sugar for Coke's needs. He expects the Atlanta-based company will offer a cane sugar-sweetened version in the U.S. just like its rival Pepsi has been doing since 2009. He noted that Coke has indulged U.S. fans by importing Mexican Coke , which is made with cane sugar, since 2005. Coke positions Mexican Coke as an upscale alternative and sells it in glass bottles . A rush to defend high fructose corn syrup The corn industry wasn't happy with the speculation. In a statement Wednesday, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode said replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar makes no sense and would cost thousands of American manufacturing jobs. Shares in ADM, a maker of high fructose corn syrup, dipped nearly 2% Thursday after Trump's announcement. In a message on X, Coca-Cola defended high fructose corn syrup, saying it's no more likely to contribute to obesity than table sugar or other full-calorie sweeteners. 'It's safe; it has about the same number of calories per serving as table sugar and is metabolized in a similar way by your body,' the company said. 'Please be assured that Coca-Cola brand soft drinks do not contain any harmful substances.' The Food and Drug Administration also says there is no evidence of any difference in safety among foods sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and those that sugar, honey or other traditional sweeteners. US consumers are seeking more options Soft drink preferences are highly subjective, as anyone who has been in a Pepsi vs. Coke or 7-Up vs. Sprite debate knows. But recent trends indicate that Coke and other drink makers need to focus on the kinds of low- and no-sugar drinks that a growing number of consumers are seeking, according to Stanford. He said his data shows original Coke was the top seller by volume in the U.S. last year, with 19% market share, while Coke Zero Sugar was seventh and had a 4% market share. But Coke Zero Sugar's share grew 10%, while original Coke's share was flat. Paige Leyden, the associate director of food service, flavors and ingredients reports at the market research company Mintel, said drinks with a health halo like Olipop — which has 1 gram of sugars compared to original Coke's 65 grams — are also pressuring legacy soda makers. Mintel expects full-sugar sodas will see a 3.4% rise in U.S. sales this year, while diet sodas will see 11.8% growth. Still, nutritionists suggest avoiding added sugars, no matter the form, since they provide empty calories with no nutrients. The 2020 U.S. dietary guidelines advise people to limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, and say children under 2 should not be fed them at all. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, whose nutrition views often diverge from mainstream nutrition science , has spoken out against sugar. His agency is expected to release updated nutrition guidelines later this year. 'There's things we'll never be able to eliminate, like sugar,' Kennedy said at an April news conference. 'And sugar is poison, and Americans need to know that.' Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are also named as a concern in a government report Kennedy issued in May. ___ AP Health and Science Editor Jonathan Poet contributed from Philadelphia.
The Mainichi
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Trump says Coke will shift to cane sugar. But increasingly, shoppers want no sugar in their sodas
(AP) -- The debate over whether Coca-Cola should use high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar in its signature soda obscures an important fact: Consumers are increasingly looking for Coke with no sugar at all. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which was introduced in 2017, uses both the artificial sweetener aspartame and the natural sweetener stevia in its recipe. It's one of Coke's fastest-growing products, with global case volumes up 14% in the first quarter of the year. By comparison, the company's total case volumes were up 2%. PepsiCo also noted Thursday that 60% of its sales volumes in major markets in the second quarter came from low- or no-sugar drinks. "When you look at colas, the percentage of growth coming from zero sugar is significant," said Duane Stanford, the editor and publisher of Beverage Digest. Coca-Cola Co. hasn't confirmed a presidential pronouncement The scrutiny over Coke's sweeteners began Wednesday, when President Donald Trump announced that Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. had agreed to switch to using cane sugar in the regular version of its beverage manufactured in the U.S. "I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so," Trump wrote on his social media site. "I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them -- You'll see. It's just better!" Coca-Cola didn't confirm the change. In a statement, the company said it appreciated Trump's enthusiasm and would share details on new offerings soon. Stanford said he doubts Coca-Cola will fully shift away from high fructose corn syrup, which has sweetened Coke in the U.S. since the 1980s. There would be tremendous supply chain and logistics headaches, he said, and the U.S. doesn't make enough sugar for Coke's needs. He expects the Atlanta-based company will offer a cane sugar-sweetened version in the U.S. just like its rival Pepsi has been doing since 2009. He noted that Coke has indulged U.S. fans by importing Mexican Coke, which is made with cane sugar, since 2005. Coke positions Mexican Coke as an upscale alternative and sells it in glass bottles. A rush to defend high fructose corn syrup The corn industry wasn't happy with the speculation. In a statement Wednesday, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode said replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar makes no sense and would cost thousands of American manufacturing jobs. Shares in ADM, a maker of high fructose corn syrup, dipped nearly 2% Thursday after Trump's announcement. In a message on X, Coca-Cola defended high fructose corn syrup, saying it's no more likely to contribute to obesity than table sugar or other full-calorie sweeteners. "It's safe; it has about the same number of calories per serving as table sugar and is metabolized in a similar way by your body," the company said. "Please be assured that Coca-Cola brand soft drinks do not contain any harmful substances." The Food and Drug Administration also says there is no evidence of any difference in safety among foods sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and those that sugar, honey or other traditional sweeteners. US consumers are seeking more options Soft drink preferences are highly subjective, as anyone who has been in a Pepsi vs. Coke or 7-Up vs. Sprite debate knows. But recent trends indicate that Coke and other drink makers need to focus on the kinds of low- and no-sugar drinks that a growing number of consumers are seeking, according to Stanford. He said his data shows original Coke was the top seller by volume in the U.S. last year, with 19% market share, while Coke Zero Sugar was seventh and had a 4% market share. But Coke Zero Sugar's share grew 10%, while original Coke's share was flat. Paige Leyden, the associate director of food service, flavors and ingredients reports at the market research company Mintel, said drinks with a health halo like Olipop -- which has 1 gram of sugars compared to original Coke's 65 grams -- are also pressuring legacy soda makers. Mintel expects full-sugar sodas will see a 3.4% rise in U.S. sales this year, while diet sodas will see 11.8% growth. Still, nutritionists suggest avoiding added sugars, no matter the form, since they provide empty calories with no nutrients. The 2020 U.S. dietary guidelines advise people to limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, and say children under 2 should not be fed them at all. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, whose nutrition views often diverge from mainstream nutrition science, has spoken out against sugar. His agency is expected to release updated nutrition guidelines later this year. "There's things we'll never be able to eliminate, like sugar," Kennedy said at an April news conference. "And sugar is poison, and Americans need to know that." Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are also named as a concern in a government report Kennedy issued in May.
Winnipeg Free Press
17-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Trump says Coke will shift to cane sugar. But increasingly, shoppers want no sugar in their sodas
The debate over whether Coca-Cola should use high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar in its signature soda obscures an important fact: Consumers are increasingly looking for Coke with no sugar at all. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which was introduced in 2017, uses both the artificial sweetener aspartame and the natural sweetener stevia in its recipe. It's one of Coke's fastest-growing products, with global case volumes up 14% in the first quarter of the year. By comparison, the company's total case volumes were up 2%. PepsiCo also noted Thursday that 60% of its sales volumes in major markets in the second quarter came from low- or no-sugar drinks. 'When you look at colas, the percentage of growth coming from zero sugar is significant,' said Duane Stanford, the editor and publisher of Beverage Digest. Coca-Cola Co. hasn't confirmed a presidential pronouncement The scrutiny over Coke's sweeteners began Wednesday, when President Donald Trump announced that Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. had agreed to switch to using cane sugar in the regular version of its beverage manufactured in the U.S. 'I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,' Trump wrote on his social media site. 'I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You'll see. It's just better!' Coca-Cola didn't confirm the change. In a statement, the company said it appreciated Trump's enthusiasm and would share details on new offerings soon. Stanford said he doubts Coca-Cola will fully shift away from high fructose corn syrup, which has sweetened Coke in the U.S. since the 1980s. There would be tremendous supply chain and logistics headaches, he said, and the U.S. doesn't make enough sugar for Coke's needs. He expects the Atlanta-based company will offer a cane sugar-sweetened version in the U.S. just like its rival Pepsi has been doing since 2009. He noted that Coke has indulged U.S. fans by importing Mexican Coke, which is made with cane sugar, since 2005. Coke positions Mexican Coke as an upscale alternative and sells it in glass bottles. A rush to defend high fructose corn syrup The corn industry wasn't happy with the speculation. In a statement Wednesday, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode said replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar makes no sense and would cost thousands of American manufacturing jobs. Shares in ADM, a maker of high fructose corn syrup, dipped nearly 2% Thursday after Trump's announcement. In a message on X, Coca-Cola defended high fructose corn syrup, saying it's no more likely to contribute to obesity than table sugar or other full-calorie sweeteners. 'It's safe; it has about the same number of calories per serving as table sugar and is metabolized in a similar way by your body,' the company said. 'Please be assured that Coca-Cola brand soft drinks do not contain any harmful substances.' The Food and Drug Administration also says there is no evidence of any difference in safety among foods sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and those that sugar, honey or other traditional sweeteners. US consumers are seeking more options Soft drink preferences are highly subjective, as anyone who has been in a Pepsi vs. Coke or 7-Up vs. Sprite debate knows. But recent trends indicate that Coke and other drink makers need to focus on the kinds of low- and no-sugar drinks that a growing number of consumers are seeking, according to Stanford. He said his data shows original Coke was the top seller by volume in the U.S. last year, with 19% market share, while Coke Zero Sugar was seventh and had a 4% market share. But Coke Zero Sugar's share grew 10%, while original Coke's share was flat. Paige Leyden, the associate director of food service, flavors and ingredients reports at the market research company Mintel, said drinks with a health halo like Olipop — which has 1 gram of sugars compared to original Coke's 65 grams — are also pressuring legacy soda makers. Mintel expects full-sugar sodas will see a 3.4% rise in U.S. sales this year, while diet sodas will see 11.8% growth. Still, nutritionists suggest avoiding added sugars, no matter the form, since they provide empty calories with no nutrients. The 2020 U.S. dietary guidelines advise people to limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, and say children under 2 should not be fed them at all. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, whose nutrition views often diverge from mainstream nutrition science, has spoken out against sugar. His agency is expected to release updated nutrition guidelines later this year. 'There's things we'll never be able to eliminate, like sugar,' Kennedy said at an April news conference. 'And sugar is poison, and Americans need to know that.' Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are also named as a concern in a government report Kennedy issued in May. ___ AP Health and Science Editor Jonathan Poet contributed from Philadelphia.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iconic American beverage brand on brink of collapse amid series of setbacks: 'Cornucopia of challenges'
Shifting environmental conditions and plant diseases are posing a threat to the orange industry. Meanwhile, evolving consumer habits are reducing demand for orange juice, putting the iconic orange juice brand Tropicana in a tough spot, CNN reported. Tropicana has been dealing with sales and profit drops in recent years, and now it could be headed for bankruptcy. The company's revenue dropped by 4% last quarter, and income fell by 10%, according to Debtwire data cited by CNN. Tropicana is struggling with a "cornucopia of challenges," said Beverage Digest publisher Duane Stanford, per CNN. The company is facing financial difficulties amid a crisis in the orange juice industry. There are various factors hitting the orange juice industry hard. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather conditions, and plant diseases like citrus greening are affecting orange production, leading to supply shortages and price hikes. For instance, Florida experienced a decline in orange production due to Hurricane Milton last year. Per CNN, a scientific analysis revealed that the storm was strengthened by the shifting weather patterns. The storm affected "probably 70% of the most productive citrus acreage" in the state, according to Florida Citrus Mutual CEO Matt Joyner. The industry is also affected by changing consumer habits. Consumers are now more mindful of their sugar intake and exploring other beverages like energy drinks, sparkling water, and teas. While there is less demand for orange juice, the industry is experiencing price hikes due to supply shortages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of a 12-ounce orange juice bottle was $4.50 as of January, nearly double the price from January 2020, which was $2.30. The orange juice industry is worth billions of dollars, with its market size expected to be worth $7.29 billion by 2029, according to the Orange Juice Global Market Report 2025 by The Business Research Company. Its decline could lead to job losses, supply shortages, and price hikes. Beyond rising prices and job losses, the orange industry crisis also draws attention to the rising global temperatures, which make it difficult to grow oranges and other crops. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, agriculture relies heavily on water, soil, and other natural resources easily affected by climate. The warming climate could also affect the production of other crops, leading to supply shortages of other agricultural produce as well. Citrus greening disease significantly impacts orange production, and there is no cure for it, but researchers are exploring ways to prevent it. Scientists at the University of Florida are looking into genetically modifying citrus trees to make them resistant to it. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The best thing individuals can do is to explore critical climate issues and find ways to support sustainable farming, like supporting citrus research and buying sustainably grown oranges. These actions can make a big difference and help agriculture thrive amid the changing climate. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
