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Coca-Cola's deal to exclusively stock hospitals with drinks 'astonishing'

A health academic says it's "astonishing" that several hospitals are locked into exclusive drink supply agreements with Coca-Cola Amatil.

Experts say the consumption of sugary drinks like Coke is linked to tooth decay, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Stuff has learnt Canterbury District Health Board has an exclusive vending supply agreement with the soft drink giant.

A Canterbury DHB spokesperson said it has a supply agreement with Coke that includes vending machines containing water, juices and sugar-free beverages. The agreement doesn't include the standard Coke drink.

Hutt Valley DHB also has a supply agreement with Coke for the supply of water and coconut water products in Hutt Hospital.

"Any products supplied comply with the Ministry of Health national healthy food and drink policy," a Hutt Valley DHB spokesperson said.

University of Auckland senior lecturer in population health Dr Simon Thornley said he was shocked at the deals.

"I think it's astonishing that a district health board has signed up to a contract with a company that has wreaked so much damage," Thornley said.

"This company has played a major role in the poor health of developed countries like New Zealand, and yet they're supporting them financially through trade."

Thornley said it was a misconception that juices were a healthier alternative to soft drinks. Juices often had the same sugar concentrations as drinks like Coke.

"So in terms of risk to health, rotten teeth, diabetes, weight gain and fatty liver, it's exactly the same. You might as well have a soft drink rather than organic apple juice."

A Coca-Cola Amatil spokesperson said the company was "dedicated to helping New Zealanders consume less sugar from our beverages, through innovation, reformulation and actively encouraging people to make good decisions around their sugar intake".

"Four out of our five Coca-Cola brand variants in New Zealand now have no sugar, with almost half of our Coca-Cola brand sales coming from these no sugar drinks - and this is growing.

"In addition, this year the majority of our marketing investment in our Coca-Cola brand was on our no sugar Coca-Cola drinks and this will continue."

One of Coke's vending terms is exclusivity, meaning no other vending machines from other companies are allowed to be on the premises.

Stuff also asked several universities about their drink supply agreements, and found that Otago University has a campus-wide vending agreement with Coke for chilled beverages.

The university's campus and collegiate life director, James Lindsay, said "any renewal of our current agreement is a number of years away".

"At that time, the university will take into consideration a number of factors when choosing to procure or negotiate any future supplier contracts," Lindsay said.

"Currently, the university's vending machines also offer a full range of zero sugar and low sugar options."

The university also has an agreement with Frucor Suntory to supply drinks for its cafes and retail outlets, including Pepsi.

Victoria University of Wellington also has an agreement with Coke to provide vending machines on its three campuses.

"The majority of the drinks the vending machines supply must be water, and the university will be moving to increase healthy content in its vending machines as contracts are renegotiated," a Victoria University spokesperson said.

Thornley said while primary and secondary schools were generally changing their approach to sugary drinks, universities "really haven't changed at all".

"I think it really reflects how normal sugary drinks have been in New Zealand society."

A recent study found 52 per cent of drinks purchased in New Zealand contained added sugar, more than Australia, Canada and the UK.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/he...nks-astonishing