Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), the premier national nonprofit working to transform the food landscape in pursuit of health equity, and Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), a leading producer and distributor of hot and cold beverages with brands like Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Dr Pepper, Core Hydration and Snapple, announced today a multi-year partnership in support of KDP’s commitment to increase the percentage of healthier beverage options in its portfolio and further enhance its marketing transparency.
“We applaud Keurig Dr Pepper for taking the necessary steps to expand its offerings of healthier beverages and for being more transparent with their consumers,” said Nancy E. Roman, President & CEO, Partnership for a Healthier America. “As the burden of knowledge about how certain foods and drinks impact health, taking steps to innovate healthier options is critical. We look forward to evaluating Keurig Dr Pepper’s progress and sharing it publicly.”
PHA will provide expertise in the health and well-being space as well as annual validation for the progress KDP is making toward evolving its portfolio. KDP is committing that by 2025, at least 60% of its product portfolio by SKU will meet the following definition:
• Contains one serving of fruit or vegetable (without added sugar) OR
• <40 calories per serving AND at least 10% Daily Value of a nutrient to encourage (protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, vitamin D or potassium) OR a functional attribute (e.g., hydration with water; antioxidants to help fight cellular damage from free radicals; immune support with vitamins A, C, E and zinc; healthy digestive system support with dietary fiber; energy with caffeine and relaxation with L-theanine).
In furthering its commitment to transparency, beginning in its recently released 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report, and on an annual basis moving forward, KDP is committing to disclosing the percentage of marketing dollars spent to drive sales of products that meet the above definition. KDP has also committed to publish a responsible marketing policy that builds upon its existing marketing to children policy, by 2025. The policy will showcase the responsible advertising practices the Company engages in when reaching all consumers.
“Our new portfolio goal aligns with our objectives to expand product offerings that deliver nutritional and functional benefits, in addition to reduced sugar and calories,” said Monique Oxender, Chief Sustainability Officer, Keurig Dr Pepper. “Our work with Partnership for a Healthier America will validate our efforts and increase our transparency, while empowering consumers to make informed choices.”
Keurig Dr Pepper’s commitment is one of the key highlights announced today in its 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report. The third annual report provides updates on progress in the beverage company’s Drink Well. Do Good. corporate responsibility platform, which includes initiatives focused in the areas of Health & Well-being, Environment, Supply Chain and People & Communities.
