At our latest Real Talk forum in early 2024, we brought together a host of academics, campaigners, industry experts and stakeholders for a special and informative discussion hosted by Tortoise Media.

Chaired and moderated by Tortoise’s award-winning Editor Jeevan Vasagar, the discussion was focused on one central question: can consumers be better supported to make healthier decisions?

Jeevan was joined by Dusan Stojankic, Coca‑Cola GB, Zora Milenkovic of Euromonitor International, and Max Mawby of Thinks Insights & Strategy.

The panel discussed how both regulation and industry action – including product innovation, reformulation, and responsible marketing and labelling – can all play a role in helping consumers to make informed decisions.

The discussion included in-depth conversations on a variety of key topics, including how to meaningfully change consumer behaviours, and the role of governments, businesses, and the consumer.

Behavioural science research shows that three tools are very impactful: 1) Incentives: Often meaning the price; 2) Legislation: The guardrails that structure the market; and finally 3) Information: Transparency on pack.

Dusan Stojankic explained that companies like Coca‑Cola must play a big role in the wider movement to help consumers reduce their overall sugar intake. He explained that Coca‑Cola’s global sugar-reduction journey began 40 years ago, when the company launched Diet Coke, and Coca‑Cola has since reformulated 43 drinks, and launched over 100 low and no-sugar drinks in Great Britain. This has led to the removal of over 52,000 tonnes of sugar from Coca‑Cola Great Britain’s portfolio since 2010, representing a 30% reduction in the amount of sugar contributed to shoppers’ baskets.

The session saw all panellists offer fascinating insights into the nuances of the health and nutrition landscape across Great Britian – particularly surrounding how companies can help consumers make healthier purchasing decisions, whilst importantly offering them choice.

To find out more about The Coca‑Cola Company’s commitments to health and wellbeing, follow the link here.