Summer weather brightens up UK soft drinks market
The new 2004 UK Soft Drinks report from specialist consultants Zenith International shows that UK soft drinks consumption rose by 7% in 2003 to 13,925 million litres, translating into a retail value of £11,050 million.
All market sectors achieved solid gains. Bottled water once again recorded the most dramatic rise in volume sales, accounting for 33% of total growth, as UK consumers responded more actively to the health benefits associated with proper hydration. Carbonates also contributed strongly, with brand extensions such as Vanilla Coke and Fanta Zesty Berry providing the main impetus.
"Outstanding summer weather clearly also boosted sales in 2003, but the industry still has its own underlying momentum, with consumers continuing to switch from more traditional drinks such as tea, coffee and milk. Soft drinks offer consumers a better combination of refreshment, convenience and excitement at a price they can afford," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh.
Innovation has been at the heart of soft drinks growth over recent years and 2003 was no different, with consumers demanding a greater choice of healthier and more functional products. This was reflected in many of the key brand developments during the year such as Red Bull Sugarfree, Ocean Spray Light and Lucozade Sport Hydro Active.
"Consumers are seeking more from their drinks purchases in terms of health and functionality; the intensifying debate on obesity has heightened this demand," Gary Roethenbaugh added. "Already 63% of total soft drinks consumption is no or low calorie.
"Provided the soft drinks industry continues to satisfy these changing consumer needs as well as stimulating interest by constant innovation, there is no reason why it should not maintain its long term 4% volume growth rate," concluded Gary Roethenbaugh. Zenith expects the UK soft drinks industry to see a steady advance in consumption during the next five years, climbing to 16.8 billion litres by 2008.
The 2004 Zenith Report on UK Soft Drinks contains 159 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.
Notes for Editors
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
All market sectors achieved solid gains. Bottled water once again recorded the most dramatic rise in volume sales, accounting for 33% of total growth, as UK consumers responded more actively to the health benefits associated with proper hydration. Carbonates also contributed strongly, with brand extensions such as Vanilla Coke and Fanta Zesty Berry providing the main impetus.
"Outstanding summer weather clearly also boosted sales in 2003, but the industry still has its own underlying momentum, with consumers continuing to switch from more traditional drinks such as tea, coffee and milk. Soft drinks offer consumers a better combination of refreshment, convenience and excitement at a price they can afford," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh.
Innovation has been at the heart of soft drinks growth over recent years and 2003 was no different, with consumers demanding a greater choice of healthier and more functional products. This was reflected in many of the key brand developments during the year such as Red Bull Sugarfree, Ocean Spray Light and Lucozade Sport Hydro Active.
"Consumers are seeking more from their drinks purchases in terms of health and functionality; the intensifying debate on obesity has heightened this demand," Gary Roethenbaugh added. "Already 63% of total soft drinks consumption is no or low calorie.
"Provided the soft drinks industry continues to satisfy these changing consumer needs as well as stimulating interest by constant innovation, there is no reason why it should not maintain its long term 4% volume growth rate," concluded Gary Roethenbaugh. Zenith expects the UK soft drinks industry to see a steady advance in consumption during the next five years, climbing to 16.8 billion litres by 2008.
The 2004 Zenith Report on UK Soft Drinks contains 159 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.
Notes for Editors
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