The International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) has criticized the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2025 Global Report on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Taxes, which urges governments to significantly raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol.
In a statement, ICBA Executive Director, Katherine Loatman, expressed disappointment over what she described as the WHO’s continued focus on taxation rather than evidence-based sugar-reduction measures such as product reformulation and smaller portion sizes.
Loatman said more than a decade of global experience indicates that beverage taxes have failed to reduce obesity rates or achieve meaningful public health improvements.
While affirming ICBA’s support for efforts to reduce non-communicable diseases, she argued that governments should prioritize cost-effective interventions backed by strong evidence.
She also noted that the WHO had previously acknowledged that such taxes do not rank among its “Best Buy” health policies.
She added that the beverage industry remains committed to collaborative solutions, including increasing the availability of low- and no-sugar beverage options, promoting clear and transparent labelling, and upholding responsible marketing practices.
