On 19 October, UNESDA’s member association Gospodarska zbornica Slovenije (GZS) organised a Strategic Forum of the Slovenian Beverage Sector in the Slovenian city of Portorož. The event brought together national ministers and the heads of European associations representing soft drinks, natural mineral waters, winemakers and brewers with the aim of debating the main challenges and policy enablers for Europe’s beverage sector in terms of competitiveness, packaging sustainability and green transition to a circular economy.

UNESDA Director General Nicholas Hodac was in attendance and pointed out how policymakers can support Europe’s soft drinks sector to deliver on its sustainability and health and nutrition commitments to build a healthier and more sustainable drink environment.

Hodac commented: ‘’It is truly a privilege to attend the Strategic Forum of the Slovenian Beverage Sector and contribute to the discussion on the future of the Slovenian drink system. This event takes place at a crucial time in Europe’s soft drinks industry’s cooperation with policymakers as we drive our sustainability and health and nutrition initiatives forward. The time is now to create a supportive legal framework that helps us achieve a fully circular economy for our packaging and deliver on our sugar reduction commitments. Our consumers and our planet expect and deserve that our sector continues to drive major transformational changes to become more sustainable and further promote healthier drink experiences. Together with our Slovenian colleagues and policymakers, we can shape a better future for our sector with a greater positive impact on people’s lives.”

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