For the next few minutes there was a clatter of teacups and responses about sugar.
"This is not just about sugar but about Government involvement in the marketplace."
A watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 91% water by weight.
"Not really - except that you have to learn a foreign language to talk about sugar and salt."
The new one is intended to dispel several of what he said were misconceptions about sugar.
"We want people to feel good about sugar," he said.
This is about 40% less sugar than is found in a typical soda like Coca-cola.
He knows enough about history and sugar that he just might end up teaching in the new schools.
The scare stories about sugar and obesity aren't true.
The reporters were passing cups between them, complaining about sugar or the lack of it.