Peter Charles, Managing Director of Red Bull UK, has been elected President of the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA), replacing William Watkins, Founder and Owner of Radnor Hills, who is stepping down at the end of his term.
Meanwhile, Andrew Milne, Chief Executive Officer at Nichols plc, has been elected Vice Presidentof the BSDA. The appointments were confirmed at the BSDA’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 11 June.
Charles will serve a two-year term as President at a pivotal time for the UK soft drinks sector, as it prepares for the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme across the UK in October 2027, and continues engagement with the UK government on a range of regulatory and public health policies.
These include proposed changes to regulation based on the Nutrient Profiling Model, an update to School Food Standards, and the consideration of restrictions on the sale of energy drinks to under-16s in England.
Peter said:“I am honoured to have been elected President of the British Soft Drinks Association and to represent an industry that plays such an important role in the UK economy and in consumers’ everyday lives.“
The next two years will be an important period for our sector, particularly as we work towards the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme and continue engaging constructively with policymakers on the issues affecting our industry, including ongoing cost pressures linked to global supply chains.
“I look forward to working with members, government and stakeholders to help ensure the sector continues to grow, innovate and deliver for consumers.”
The UK soft drinks sector contributes £5.6 billion annually to the economy, supports more than 56,000 manufacturing and supply chain jobs, and is currently valued at £26.3bn [GlobalData], underlining its significance within the wider UK food and drink industry.During William’s term as BSDA President, the sector made further progress on preparations for the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme.
Industry has invested more than £1bn to support delivery of the scheme, with the soft drinks sector making the largest contribution. The Deposit Return Scheme is expected to create around 4,300 jobs across the circular economy.
Watkins said:“It has been a privilege to serve as President of the BSDA over the past two years.“During that time, the industry has navigated a challenging economic environment while continuing to make progress on some of its most important priorities.
"We have worked closely with governments and stakeholders on the development of the Deposit Return Scheme and continued to make the case for proportionate, evidence-based regulation across a range of policy areas.
“I am proud of what has been achieved and of the role the Association has played in representing our members during a period of significant change for the sector. The soft drinks industry is resilient, innovative and a major contributor to the UK economy, and I am confident it will continue to go from strength to strength under Peter’s leadership.”
The BSDA represents UK producers of soft drinks, including carbonated drinks, energy drinks, still and dilutable drinks, fruit juices and bottled waters. Its membership includes the majority of Britain’s soft drinks manufacturers, franchisors, importers and suppliers, spanning both multinational brands and independent producers.