Independent evaluator Keybridge LLC released its annual report on progress toward a nationwide goal, set by the beverage industry and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, to reduce the calories and sugar Americans get from beverages. The report noted that 2019 saw the largest single-year reduction in calorie consumption and the third consecutive year of declines since the launch of the initiative.

As the trade association celebrated a century of refreshment, it welcomed a network of beverage industry executive leaders for its Centennial Advocacy Summit, which took place Oct. 28-30 in Washington, D.C.

I have told many how much I believed that Susan was one of, if not the best, leaders among trade associations.

As many working within this industry know, these taxes extend to nearly all beverage categories (minus 100 percent juice, milk, milk alternatives, infant formula, medical-use beverages, therapeutic meal replacements, or syrup and powder mixes). Many retailers and consumers are noting the confusing nature of these taxes.

As one of the largest independent Pepsi-Cola and Canada Dry bottlers in the United States, Pennsauken, N.J.-based The Honickman Group, not only is making a difference in the territories it serves on the East Coast — New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. — but also in the broader beverage community.

American gymnasts Laurie Hernandez and Simone Biles might have made the balance beam look easy when they won their silver and bronze medals, respectively, at the 2016 Rio Olympics. However, achieving balance in eating, drinking and activity habits might not be as easy for consumers.