UNESDA – Soft Drinks Europe has taken a series of voluntary actions since 2006 to behave responsibly in schools. UNESDA members have committed to:
- No sales or advertising of any soft drinks in EU primary schools
- Offering only no- and low-calorie soft drinks for sale in EU secondary schools (and only in non-branded vending machines, without logos or commercial communications)
UNESDA members are delivering on these commitments. The latest external audit in 2020 shows high levels of compliance in EU primary schools: compliance rates of over 97% in Germany, Spain and Slovakia were reported.
The 2020 third-party audit also reveals compliance rates between 72% and 99% in Germany, Spain and Slovakia with regard to our secondary schools commitments.
In parallel, UNESDA has ensured responsible marketing practices towards children under 12 since 2006. This means no advertising of any soft drinks to children under 12 on television or radio. Neither in print nor online. In 2012, UNESDA strengthened this commitment to include no advertising on social media and on company-owned websites.
In 2021, UNESDA members reinforced their commitment not to market or advertise any soft drinks to children under 13 across all media.
UNESDA members are committed to ensuring that their commitments are fully implemented across the EU to help create healthier food environments.
