The New South Wales Government is planning on removing two energy drinks with very high caffeine levels from sale. Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said the two products reportedly have up to ten times the allowed caffeine levels. “It’s simply unacceptable that these products, clearly marketed at youths, have appeared in the market so the Government has taken immediate action to get these illegal products off the shelves,” Mr Macdonald said. “The Food Authority is... ...Read more »

The NSW Government is warning of a crackdown on energy drink sales to children in the wake of cases of overconsumption. Five year 7 students from Sydney’s western suburbs reportedly suffered side effects including dizziness and nausea after consuming energy drinks yesterday, with such cases potentially forcing the government to act. “Some of these shots have between 12 and 15 times the level of caffeine permitted under the food standards code,” Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald... ...Read more »

Amid the constant publicity about the potential danger of energy drink ingredients, Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) reveals that the latest energy drink launches aren’t getting any healthier. Despite this, the popular beverage market continues to grow – with sales increasing over 240% from 2004 to 2009. In the same timeframe, there has been a flood of new energy drinks to the market with new product launches up by over 110%. Analyzing the ingredients in energy drinks launched... ...Read more »

Jordan is the second country after Germany to ban Red Bull Cola. The Food and Drug Administration in Jordan (JFDA) has suspended the import of Red Bull Cola and ordered the withdrawal of all products from the market. Mohammed Rawashdeh, Director of JFDA said this decision follows after food authorities in Germany found trace amounts of cocaine in the product, causing six states to ban the product from their shelves. “Whenever we receive reports from any country regarding the withdrawal of a... ...Read more »

Coca-Cola Amatil’s Mother is now challenging V for top spot in the energy drink sector as Australia’s leading soft drink producer finally uses its distribution networks to capture a valuable slice of the market. After a failed launch over two years ago, the ‘new’ Mother was introduced with great success last July and, in the six months to March, shared the leading position in the grocery channel with V – each claiming a 30.1% share of the market. While taking off in... ...Read more »

Schweppes Australia, which was recently purchased by Asahi, has signed an agreement to sell the leading American energy drink in Australia. Monster Energy, owned by Hansen Natural, will be launched by Schweppes on July 1, adding to the growing list of brands in the burgeoning Australian energy drink sector. Last year, Coca-Cola Amatil showed the potential for new entrants with strong distribution networks with the successful relaunch of Mother gaining market share from leaders V and Red Bull, while... ...Read more »

A new report from market researcher Mintel shows today’s adults rapidly switching from calorie-laden soft drinks to other, often lighter, beverages. From 2003 to 2008, Mintel estimates that the regular carbonated soft drink market lost 15.6 million adult drinkers. Just 68% of respondents to Mintel’s November 2008 survey in the US said they drank regular soft drinks in 2008, down from 76% in 2003. During the same period, the number of diet soft drink drinkers grew: 7.8 million more adults... ...Read more »

In challenging times, the American refreshment beverage market contracted by 2.0% in 2008, according to Beverage Marketing Corporation, but some beverage types continued to shine. During the first several years of the 21st century, newer beverage categories have been principally responsible for what growth has occurred in the non-alcoholic marketplace. Carbonated soft drinks accounted for close to half of total liquid refreshment beverage volume. However, their market share eroded slightly, as it... ...Read more »

The rapidly emerging market for energy shot drinks in North America and Europe achieved a 130% boost to 188 million units and a sales value of US$423 million (A$614m) in 2008, indicating the potential for such drinks to gather support in Australia. The new report from drinks consultancy Zenith International sheds light on the changing demands of consumers in a market which has been growing rapidly since the turn of the century. Energy shots are an extension of the regular energy drinks market, typically... ...Read more »

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that exposure to taurine and d-glucuronolactone through regular consumption of energy drinks was not of safety concern. The research was conducted in response to a request from the European Commission, EFSA’s Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS). The evaluation follows a risk assessment on these two substances carried out by the EU’s former Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) in 2003. The ANS Panel considered... ...Read more »