What is the Energy Significance of Carlsberg Joining UNESDA?
Five new members have joined the Union of European Beverages Associations (UNESDA) — with one's more significant than any of the other.
Carlsberg is making a significant move and sharpening its focus on sustainability.
Joining alongside Monster Energy, Royal Unibrew, the Hungarian Soft Drinks Association and the Polish Federation of Food Industry, Carlsberg's sustainability focus focuses in on net zero, ESG and sustainability rationales.
What is UNESDA?
UNESDA has served as a forum and advocate for Europe’s beverage industry since the late 1950s.
Now boasting 39 members, it provides a unified voice for an industry navigating challenges like evolving consumer tastes, regulatory changes and growing environmental demands. P
Peter Harding, President of UNESDA and CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food International, says: “The increase in new members is a recognition of the importance of our sector in Europe and the key role that UNESDA plays in fostering a cohesive and unified voice to advocate for supportive and stable policies.”
A new era for Carlsberg
Carlsberg’s entry into UNESDA highlights the company’s growing focus on soft drinks and functional beverages.
While globally renowned for its beer portfolio, Carlsberg has increasingly diversified to meet rising demand for healthier and more sustainable options.
Christian Wulff Søndergaard, Vice President and Head of Global Corporate Affairs at Carlsberg, views the partnership as a turning point.
“Our membership marks a bright new chapter for us as we continue our growth in the soft drinks market and strengthen the importance of our business,” he explains.
“We are eager to advance our common goals and foster a more diverse and sustainable beverage landscape for consumers.”
This move aligns with Carlsberg’s broader sustainability goals outlined in its Together Towards ZERO programme, which targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and the elimination of water waste in its breweries.
By joining UNESDA, Carlsberg seeks to leverage shared expertise to tackle challenges like decarbonisation and the adoption of sustainable packaging practices.
Addressing industry challenges
The European soft drinks industry contributes significantly to the continent’s economy, supporting more than 1.8 million jobs and sourcing 85% of its ingredients from European farmers.
However, the sector faces mounting pressure to address environmental concerns.
Efforts to develop innovative packaging, reduce carbon footprints and conserve water resources are reshaping production processes.
Meanwhile, consumer trends are pushing for healthier choices, with increased demand for low- or no-sugar options and functional drinks.
Younger consumers are also driving growth in at-home consumption, prompting companies to rethink traditional distribution models.
“Environmental expectations are influencing consumers’ beverage choices,” Peter says.
“The sector is actively responding with a broad range of actions, from innovative sustainable packaging to preserving water resources.”
Collaboration through UNESDA
The inclusion of Carlsberg and other prominent players like Monster Energy and Royal Unibrew into UNESDA reflects a broader trend of collaboration in the food and beverage industry. UNESDA aims to foster a united front to tackle regulatory challenges and achieve shared sustainability goals.
The organisation aims to create a unified approach to regulatory challenges and sustainability goals.
Desmond White, Chief Commercial Officer for EMEA at Monster Energy, points out the strategic value of the alliance.
“We believe our membership creates opportunities to address challenges and opportunities common to the category,” he says
Lars Jensen, CEO of Royal Unibrew, echoes the sentiment, highlighting the importance of working towards a “supportive regulatory environment” that encourages innovation and sustainability.
The growing influence of UNESDA is evident in the inclusion of Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages on its Executive Committee.
Muriel Lienau, CEO of Nestlé Waters in Europe, says: “This is an important strategic step for us as we are seeing the demand and expectation for both waters and non-alcoholic beverages undergoing significant transformation.”
As UNESDA integrates its new members, Christian believes that a spirit of togetherness take wing.
“We look forward to all that we can deliver together,” he says.
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