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In 1940, there were more than 500 independent bottlers of soft drinks in Canada. In this tough pre-war economy, gasoline and tires, vital for the delivery of beverages, were severely rationed. Glass was in short supply. Regulated quotas of sugar caused serious production problems and high taxes were hurting the industry. It was this business climate that provided the impetus for these competitors to begin discussions on forming an association for the benefit of the entire industry. And so, in1942, the Canadian Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages (CBCB) was created.

The industry thrived for the next 25 years and the CBCB was then renamed the Canadian Soft Drink Association in 1969.

Continued volume growth and prosperity was accompanied by consolidation, packaging innovation and the inevitable regulatory changes which necessitated a major overhaul of the Association's focus and strategic agenda.

In 2001, the CSDA was renamed Refreshments Canada and was launched with a new structure, staff, board of directors, mandate, objectives and strategic focus.

Our major areas of focus include:

1. Environment
Supporting effective and cost-efficient management of used beverage containers

2. Regulatory Affairs and Health
Enhancing industry opportunity for product innovation in response to consumer demand

3. Public Affairs
Generating a wider understanding of the role beverages play in a healthy, balanced lifestyle