Liquor giant considers weakening RTDs

Liquor giant Lion Nathan may follow the lead of its Australian operation and reduce alcohol and remove energy additives from its spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTDs) beverages.

Lion Nathan Australia announced this week they would voluntarily cease manufacturing alcoholic drinks with energy additives such as caffeine and taurine.

They would also limit alcohol volume in other RTDs to seven per cent, or two standard drinks per single serve.

The move was in response to community concern that higher alcohol and added-energy RTDs may be vulnerable to abuse.

Lion Nathan's New Zealand management said yesterday it was considering its position and a decision would be made in the next few days.

- NZPA