Students around the world reaching for a full-calorie soft drink at school will have limited options in the future. This week, PepsiCo Inc. announced plans to phase out all sugary drinks from campuses over the next two years, following the success of similar programs in the U.S. that target childhood obesity.
Currently, PepsiCo only sells water, fat-free or low-fat milk and juice with no added sugar at primary schools. In secondary schools, low-calorie soft drinks and sports drinks are mixed into the menu options for students. The model which has been in place since 2006 for the second biggest soft drink maker will be integrated into PepsiCo’s international plans, with the goal of having all sugary drinks in schools around the world removed by 2012.
Pepsi’s biggest competitor, the Coca-Cola Co. also is making changes in it’s global sales polices, but is still leaving the door open for parents and school districts to allow the sales of full calorie drinks in secondary schools if they ask for it.
The changes come at the urging of The World Heart Federation which has been looking at ways to combat the growing trend of childhood obesity.