Dive Brief:
- Opening statements started in the long-awaited trial between sugar and high fructose corn syrup. The statements reiterated the diverging narrative that surrounds this case.
- The sugar industry says that corn syrup producers have tried to position corn syrup as being just as healthy or the same as sugar, while corn syrup producers say the sugar industry has engaged in a smear campaign rife with misinformation.
- Sugar producers are seeking $1.5 billion in damages, while corn syrup producers are seeking $530 million.
Dive Insight:
These two fierce competitors both feel slighted by the other, particularly in how they portrayed themselves or each other in past marketing campaigns. The judge and jurors now have the opportunity to legally surmise what the differences are between the two sweeteners, which could have implications that stretch beyond the courtroom.
Out of the courtoom, sugary foods and drinks continue to fall out of favor with consumers as they shift away from sweet in lieu of what they consider healthier options.