The sweetness, and even certain nutritional qualities of soft drinks, fruit drinks, brewing and alcoholic beverages are often derived from starch products, for example glucose and fructose syrups. This is also true for the colour consistency of cola, beer and even whisky and cognac, all of which incorporate small amounts of starch-derived caramel colour.
In late 2023, the European Commission is due to publish its proposal for a legislative framework on sustainable food systems (FSFS). This proposal, once adopted, will likely provide the framework for a multitude of specific actions to help promote a sustainable food system going forward for years to come. It is of paramount importance to get that right.
This paper aims to demonstrate the substantial contribution so far of the EU starch industry to a sustainable food system, as well as what core needs our sector has for that contribution to continue, and even increase.