The year 2020 required our industry, our nation and the entire world to adapt and evolve in new ways. COVID-19 has changed our lives, our work and the ways we interact with each other. But what hasn’t changed is how the true strength of our country resides in its communities, in resilient Americans. The beverage industry, too, is resilient. We are playing a major role in the critical infrastructure of our nation, reinforcing our industry’s deep and sustained roots in the American economy and way of life.

Our workforce—real people who are making sacrifices to bring beverages to market—is doing a tremendous job of producing, distributing and stocking store shelves with essential goods. These employees and our companies have stepped up, while also supporting their communities and frontline workers with medical supplies, financial donations, encouragement and more. Their stories are being told through our #HereForYou campaign, launched in April to recognize these selfless acts and remind our customers, consumers and communities that the beverage industry is “here” at work for “you.”

“While the pandemic has certainly challenged our industry, we remain committed to advancing our sustainability, wellness and advocacy efforts.”

While the pandemic has certainly challenged our industry, we remain committed to advancing our sustainability, wellness and advocacy efforts. It has been over a year since we launched Every Bottle Back, a groundbreaking initiative to reduce our plastic footprint, led by The Coca-Cola Company, Keurig Dr Pepper and PepsiCo in partnership with leading environmental and sustainability organizations. We are continuing to carefully design our plastic bottles to be 100% recyclable, even the caps. This year alone, we have committed to 11 community recycling projects, all to educate consumers and upgrade recycling infrastructure. These efforts are even more critical as COVID-19 presents new concerns for the environment.

Today, the beverage aisle has changed dramatically. Across the country, more beverage choices are available to consumers than ever before, many with less sugar or no sugar at all, and in smaller portion sizes. These many options are due to collaborative actions by America’s leading beverage companies to support American families’ efforts to reduce the sugar they consume. And the latest independent evaluation shows that our actions are working, having recorded the largest single-year reduction in calorie consumption since the launch of Balance Calories.

We are continuing to engage with lawmakers, public health and community organizations to urge better way solutions while protecting consumer choice. Our coalitions pushed back on onerous beverage taxes and regulations that would affect working families and local businesses already reeling from COVID-19. To protect workforce, business and consumer interests, our companies and allied associations participated in legislative discussions concerning the truck driver shortage, driver service hours, overweight hauling permits, aluminum tariffs and workplace safety and equity.

We anticipate the coming year to be filled with many new challenges, but our proactive efforts and willingness to lead on tough issues will position our industry well in these unsure times. With a new visual identity that represents us better, it is clear that we are a forward-looking organization willing to work with others to build strong solutions. We thank the ABA Board, officers and membership for their steadfast commitment. Our member companies look forward to continuing to drive solutions together, for the environment, health, economic and social well-being of communities across America.

Cheers,