She succeeds Zein Abdalla, president of PepsiCo, with immediate effect, and her tenure will run to May 2015.
Assuming the presidency at the Unesda board meeting in Brussels last week, Reiniche reflected on the challenges facing the sector and the need for Unesda to continue to take a lead in demonstrating the industry’s contribution to the economy, to society and to enjoyment.
“Our sector is a significant contributor to the European economy providing growth, jobs, tax contributions and added value throughout the supply chain,” she said. “For example, a recent study estimates that the supply chain of Coca-Cola alone is worth about €30bn in value added to the European economy, and generates about 600,000 jobs. Estimated impacts are of course likely to be much higher for the sector as a whole.
“We offer quality products that people enjoy and provide a wide variety of drinks, including no-sugar and reduced sugar, which now account for some 30% of the market in Europe.
“We have also shown that we act responsibly in the marketplace,” said Reiniche. “The far-reaching commitments Unesda members made to the EU Platform back in 2006 mean that, for the past six years, we have not advertised our products to children under 12 on TV, in print or online and have not offered them for sale in primary schools right across the EU27, in line with our efforts not to undermine the role of parents as gatekeepers of children’s dietary choices.
“For years now, all our products have transparently indicated on-pack calorie and sugar contents per person and as part of Guideline Daily Amounts, to help consumers choose what is best for them. We will continue and further enhance our dialogue with regulators, peers, consumers and all our stakeholders to ensure that our industry remains relevant and demonstrates its value.”
Unesda, which represents 12 corporate members and 24 National Associations, is based in Brussels and has been established for more than 50 years.
Source: Unesda
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