Tax on sports nutrition drinks? Are you kidding me?

Let's see how long I can keep this sh*t up eh?

Starting with the VAT ON SPORTS DRINK PETITION This petition is for those of you who think the most recent UK budget in which some ass at the treasury decided, in their wisdom, to suggest that us supplement users pay 20% more. Yep due to what I think is some stupid decision making tribunal decision (but who knows for sure) on sports drinks becoming mass market and drunk for refreshment they  have now decided to include protein drinks too.

Now, as has been argued, it's one thing to suggest that an isotonic drink such as well known Lucosade, Powerade et al, might be found (as they are in your local shops chilled drinks cabinet and is drunk1) cos it  tastes nice and 2) cos it's refreshing but not 3) cos of it's nutritional content. Fair enough says I. They have super-ceded their former sports drink only status and fallen into, by virtue of growth and acceptance, common 'cold drink' status.

But can the same be said of a protein drink that you mix and shake YOURSELF!! Seriously. I don't drink 100g of Bulkpowders unflavoured whey mixed with water and 3 sweeteners for it's refreshing qualities. Nor as a 'beverage' like tea. I drink tea and coffees for tea and coffees above mentioned qualities - that and the caffeine. 

My gut instinct is the industry has grown. When companies like GSK buy (again - about the 3rd or 4th time MM has sold or been brought out) Maximuscle for what - £85million? When MyProtein was purchased (not quite 100%) for what gave it a value of £60m and when the industry itself, not health food, seeds and nuts but just sports supplements only, was suggesting a gross of around £300m in 2005, 2006 or 2007 (I forget which) then HM Gov seizes on an opportunity to garner some cash during this recession. HMG suggest, via their own C&E site that the wedge only amounts to between 10 and 12 million quid. Hardly seems worth it. 

That's without the questions, as asked by others - but hell include me in agreement, asking about how an industry which supports and promotes, for the most part, a healthy lifestyle. Throw in the 2012 Olympic year and you ask why guys and gals that train, typically earn more (yesterdays Daily Mail suggested that those hitting the gym 3 or more times a week earn more - or was it those earning more hit the gym more...), think of their health and are looking to lose weight or become lean muscle beasts, then get charged more to carry on? Does HMG want us to be fat, not in the gym, don't give a damn slobs? 

Just on the business aspect alone the margins, as many wholesalers and retailers in the industry have pointed out , on high protein drinks are NOT big. As a former seller of the same I agree 100%. You're not looking at 30% margins in the bulk sector. Now throw 20% on top... damn!!

So sign and share, share and sign. Or get out your hankies now and weep when the time comes - you'll only have your indifference to blame.