Healthy living the way forward for UK soft drinks market
The new 2006 UK Soft Drinks report from specialist consultants Zenith International reveals that the UK soft drinks market returned to modest growth in 2005, following a drop in sales during the poor summer weather of 2004.
2005 UK soft drinks consumption rose 1% to 13.8 billion litres, up from 13.7 billion litres in 2004. Despite a continuing fall in carbonated soft drinks, the long term path of overall growth remains solid. The 2005 total for soft drinks represents an increase of 35% over the past ten years and 16% since 2000.
Health and wellbeing considerations were the major factors shaping the UK soft drinks market in 2005, with the 'healthier' options of still drinks, fruit juice/nectars and bottled water driving sales forward.
"Consumers are facing increasing pressure to take responsibility for their health and that of their children. In our hectic modern lives, changing eating and drinking habits is a relatively straightforward way to lead a healthier lifestyle," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. "It is vital that the soft drinks industry provides consumers with options for all their drinking occasions."
Consumer demand for healthier products has created a trend towards more natural products or those with added 'functionality'. The success of drinks containing juice from fruits with functional properties such as pomegranate and the launch of 'added benefit' products such as sports water are indications that healthier and more functional products are gaining in popularity.
Building on this health trend, Zenith expects the UK soft drinks market to continue by around 2% a year to 15.4 billion litres in 2010. "With an ageing population seeking to stay physically fit and younger sections of society more concerned about obesity, future demographic changes are bound to work in favour of health and wellness drinks," observed Gary Roethenbaugh. "However, despite recent negative publicity for carbonates and restrictions on their sale in schools, the sustained advance of zero and low calorie products will ensure carbonates remain the largest soft drinks segment for some years more."
The 2006 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, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square w Bath BA1 2AB w United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 w f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com