Juice report welcomed, but further work needed
The New Zealand Juice Association (NZJA) has welcomed the Commerce Commission’s report into the juice industry which
will complement its own self-regulatory system, but believes further work is needed to ensure clear and
consumer-friendly descriptions on juice product labels.
NZJA President, Kelvin Clout, noted that through its Code of Practise and Industry Compliance Committee (ICC) the
industry has already made great strides in ensuring fruit juice companies label their products in a clear,
consumer-friendly manner.
“While the Commerce Commission has highlighted some exceptions, it is important to note that the vast majority of fruit
juices manufactured and sold in New Zealand are labeled in accordance with legislation and are both clear and
informative,” Clout said.
There are, however, still differences between the words used to describe fruit juices and juice drinks in New Zealand
and Australia. The NZJA is currently working with its Australian counterpart on these ‘descriptors’ and will also meet
with the Commerce Commission to ensure definitions are precise and defined.
“We advise consumers to continue to carefully read labels and to purchase the juices they enjoy. Fruit juices offer
considerable health benefits and are one of the ways that people can consume the recommended five servings of fruit and
vegetables a day,” said Clout.
The Code of Practise and ICC have been operating since 1997 and many juice labels carry the NZJA compliance logo. The
system is based on random testing by an independent laboratory.
Any issues with labelling or product composition are brought to the attention of offending companies and, without
exception, member companies undertake the required remedial action.
Existing Commerce Commission guidelines were tabled in 1994 and may have been superseded by advances in technology and
packaging. The NZJA and its members do, however, refer to the guidelines when making decisions through the ICC.