Consumers reshape UK soft drinks market
The new 2005 UK Soft Drinks report from specialist consultants Zenith International shows that last year's overall consumption of 13,655 million litres was 5% higher than in 2002. A heatwave boosted 7% jump in 2003 was followed by a poorer summer and 2% dip in 2004.
Still fruit, sports and tea drinks fared best, advancing by 20% since 2002. Bottled water was close behind, with 18% growth over the two years, and fruit juice/nectars came next on 13%. Dilutable squashes and cordials managed a more modest 2% uplift, while carbonates fell back marginally.
"Health, wellness and functionality have become prevailing themes in recent product development and consumers have responded most enthusiastically to these virtues in juice and water," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. "Innovation has been vital in driving sustained growth and the soft drinks industry has taken a lead in cost efficiency and packaging convenience as well as flavour interest and sugar reduction."
Despite a disappointing 2004, Zenith believes the industry still has strong underlying momentum. Consumers continue to switch from other drinks such as tea and coffee, milk and beer. The appeal of soft drinks lies in their combination of refreshment, convenience, added benefits and fun at an affordable price.
Zenith expects the UK soft drinks industry to maintain its long term 3-4% volume growth rate during the next five years, climbing to 16 billion litres by 2009. "With 39% of the UK population aged over 50 by 2020 and with the over 50s already generating one quarter of the country's economic wealth, future demographic changes are bound to work in favour of health and wellness drinks with added functionality," observed Gary Roethenbaugh. "Moreover, in these obesity aware times, one would also expect a sustained advance of zero and low calorie products."
The 2005 Zenith Report on UK Soft Drinks contains 158 pages with a 25 year market overview, 57 detailed tables/charts and profiles on the top 50 companies. Call Zenith International on +44 (0)1225 327900 or e-mail info@zenithinternational.com.
For further information, please contact:
Gary Roethenbaugh or Paul Tarling, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com
Still fruit, sports and tea drinks fared best, advancing by 20% since 2002. Bottled water was close behind, with 18% growth over the two years, and fruit juice/nectars came next on 13%. Dilutable squashes and cordials managed a more modest 2% uplift, while carbonates fell back marginally.
"Health, wellness and functionality have become prevailing themes in recent product development and consumers have responded most enthusiastically to these virtues in juice and water," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. "Innovation has been vital in driving sustained growth and the soft drinks industry has taken a lead in cost efficiency and packaging convenience as well as flavour interest and sugar reduction."
Despite a disappointing 2004, Zenith believes the industry still has strong underlying momentum. Consumers continue to switch from other drinks such as tea and coffee, milk and beer. The appeal of soft drinks lies in their combination of refreshment, convenience, added benefits and fun at an affordable price.
Zenith expects the UK soft drinks industry to maintain its long term 3-4% volume growth rate during the next five years, climbing to 16 billion litres by 2009. "With 39% of the UK population aged over 50 by 2020 and with the over 50s already generating one quarter of the country's economic wealth, future demographic changes are bound to work in favour of health and wellness drinks with added functionality," observed Gary Roethenbaugh. "Moreover, in these obesity aware times, one would also expect a sustained advance of zero and low calorie products."
The 2005 Zenith Report on UK Soft Drinks contains 158 pages with a 25 year market overview, 57 detailed tables/charts and profiles on the top 50 companies. Call Zenith International on +44 (0)1225 327900 or e-mail info@zenithinternational.com.
For further information, please contact:
Gary Roethenbaugh or Paul Tarling, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com