The initiative follows the publication of Public Health England’s guidelines on sugar reduction and supports the Government ambition laid out in the Childhood Obesity Plan to reduce sugar by 20%.
BRC and FDF will use the information to create a list for manufacturers and retailers to further support sugar reduction efforts across the food and drink industry.
“FDF and our members are committed to playing our part in the fight against obesity,” said Kate Halliwell, nutrition and health manager, FDF.
“The food and drink industry has been on a positive journey for a number of years and this joint initiative with the BRC is the latest stage in the journey.
“We are confident this initiative will go a long way in supporting retailers and manufacturers in their sugar reduction efforts, leading to significant improvements in public health.”
She added the organizations are looking for ingredients that will help sugar reduction, whilst maintaining product quality, taste, product safety and shelf life.
Suppliers who produce suitable sugar alternative ingredients are invited to complete an application form which can be found here.
“Improving the composition of products is a top priority for retailers. A lot of work is currently underway to reduce sugar. We are putting a call out for any information on technical solutions and alternatives to sugar, to help retailers deliver tasty but more wholesome products,” added Andrea Martinez-Inchausti, deputy director, Food Policy, BRC.