Beverage firms to offer healthier alternatives

PETALING JAYA: Beverage companies are opting to offer healthier products in line with the sugar tax which will be implemented tomorrow.

An F&N spokesperson said they are aligned with the government’s move to promote healthier consumption habits among Malaysians.

“Most of our beverages including 100PLUS and F&N Fun Flavours will be reformulated to below five per cent sugar come July 2019.

“In the longer term, we would also be offering smaller packs as well as speed up innovations on healthier yet delicious product categories,” said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson also said the beverage company had already started to offer healthier alternatives to customers before the announcement of the sugar tax.

“We started to offer healthier options way before the government’s announcement, including 100PLUS Reduced Sugar (with only 4g of sugar per 100ml) which was introduced last year.

“F&N is committed to developing a broad range of healthier products and supporting government’s move in promoting the health and well-being of Malaysians,” she said.

A Nestle Malaysia spokesperson also said the company has long been committed to producing healthier and more nutritious products.

“We have been reformulating our products for years in line with Nestle’s commitment to produce healthier and more nutritious products.

“Therefore, the majority of products within our Ready-to-Drink category are not impacted by the implementation of the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also added that the company will not be required to take on any significant price increase at this time.

“We are committed to delivering healthier and more nutritious products at affordable prices for all Malaysians,” she said.