NEW YORK – Coke said it wants to mend relations with critics of its sugary drinks.

Sandy Douglas, president of Coke North America, said in an interview with The Associated Press that Coke is hoping to change its “adversarial” relationship with public health advocates.

The phone interview took place Nov. 17, after Coca-Cola Co. learned the AP had obtained emails between the company and leaders of the Global Energy Balance Network, which was founded to fight obesity. The group said on its website that it received an “unrestricted gift” from Coke and that the company has “no input” into its activities.