Soda makers concerned about health — sort of

Get this. Soda giants Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group are getting together to urge Americans to stop drinking so many sugary drinks. Well, sort of. We’re not talking about next year or the year after. It’s a 10-year plan they’re introducing.

By 2025, the beverage companies vow to reduce by 20 percent — a whopping 20 percent! — the number of beverage calories consumed per person in the U.S. The drink makers say they will focus on introducing lower-calorie products and smaller sizes.

The drink companies are facing pressure to find alternative products as soda sales continue to fall amid growing awareness of health issues among Americans. So, don’t get the idea they’re really concerned with reducing Americans’ waistlines. It’s more like they’re interested in preserving their profits. This is the free market system at work....

The soda makers plan to market low-calorie offerings more aggressively. Susan Neely, chief executive of the American Beverage Association, said these efforts will “help transform the beverage landscape in America.”

So, how about those big gulp cups at your favorite soda fountain?

The soda makers plan to attack fountain drinks with signs. Yes, they will add calorie information to areas such as vending machines and self-service fountain equipment to scare you away.

We should probably congratulate the soda companies for their promised efforts. In fact, we hope they succeed. However, we’re always leery when the fox promises to guard the hen house.