A new study finds the Horizon Foundation’s multifaceted campaign that included policy change and community education through Howard County Unsweetened has led to notable drops in sugary drink sales. Between 2012 (the start of the campaign) and 2015, soda sales decreased 20 percent while remaining stable in comparison stories. Sales of fruit-flavored beverages with added sugars as well as 100% juice drinks each dropped 15 percent. This analysis was based on objective retail sales data.
The study was presented at the American Heart Association 2016 Scientific Sessions by Marlene Schwartz from the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at the University of Connecticut.
Read the American Heart Association’s press release.
View news coverage on the study:
Baltimore Sun – Study of three-year campaign finds sales plunged of sugary drinks in Howard County
U.S. News & World Report – Public health campaign cut consumption of sugary drinks
Univision – Una campaña de salud pública redujo el consumo de bebidas azucaradas
WBAL Radio – Study: Soda, Juice Sales Down In Howard County
Science Daily – Sugary drink sales drop nearly 20 percent after multi-faceted campaign
The Daily Mail – Health campaign targeting fizzy drinks resulted in a 20 percent drop in sales
ABC2 News – Study finds sales of sugary drinks in Howard County grocery stores plummet
WJZ 13 – Howard County’s Unsweetened Campaign to Reduce Sugary Drinks
