Foster's today announced it would immediately move to cease the production and marketing of added energy and higher alcohol RTD (Ready to Drink) products in Australia.
Foster's will voluntarily cease manufacturing and marketing alcohol beverages containing 'energy' additives such as caffeine and taurine. In addition, the company has formally committed to a voluntary limit of two standard drinks (20 grams of alcohol) per single serve container and 7% alcohol by volume across its RTD product portfolio.
"We have listened to stakeholder concern and we are taking these steps proactively and voluntarily", Managing Director of Foster's Australia, Asia & Pacific, Jamie Odell, said.
"As the market leader, Foster's has worked for many years to improve Australia's underlying drinking culture as a whole", Mr Odell said. "We believe strongly that the real issue is not 'bad' products, but rather poor drinking behaviour. This behaviour is ultimately what needs to be addressed if we are to create a drinking culture which maximises the benefits of moderate drinking while tackling the harms caused by alcohol abuse."
"However, we also acknowledge community concern that higher alcohol and added energy RTDs may be particularly vulnerable to abuse", said Mr Odell. "While these beverages have never been prominent in Foster's portfolio, we feel it is important to take this step as a responsible company that listens to its stakeholders."
"We will be speaking to our commercial partners over the coming weeks to implement these changes as swiftly as possible", Mr Odell said.
For more information on Foster's responsible drinking and community programs, visit www.fostersgroup.com/sustainability.
Further information:
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Foster's Australia exits added Energy and Higher Alcohol RTDs
