UK water drinks market flows back
The UK water drinks market took a big hit from the coronavirus outbreak last year, but is set to recover quickly, according to the latest UK Water Drinks Market reports from Zenith Global, the global food and drink experts.
UK consumption of plain water fell by 9% in 2020 to 3.2 billion litres. Volumes of flavoured and functional water drinks were down by 12% to 450 million litres. Sales values dropped even further, by 25% for both plain and flavoured/functional waters.
“This is hardly surprising,” commented Zenith Global Chairman Richard Hall. “Bottled water is especially popular in restaurants, which were closed for large parts of the year. The convenience of portable hydration is a key priority for people at work and on the move, which became curtailed by requirements to stay at home. The absence of tourism was another factor.”
Despite this, the number of people consuming water drinks has remained strong and the popularity of natural source waters was reflected by increased consumption at home.
Among other insights presented at the UK Water Drinks Conference online today:
- Sparkling water volumes grew by 4% to 560 million litres in 2020, as people sought its extra attraction with meals at home.
- E-commerce advanced strongly, as did sales of larger family packs for still water.
- Supermarket brand sales increased to 50% of plain water volume.
Zenith forecasts that 2021 will bring some relief, but not completely, with the market recovering half way this year and more fully in 2022.
“We expect renewed volume growth this year, amounting to 4% for all water drinks. Value growth will be higher as offices and restaurants re-open. 2022 will be the year to look for full rehydration of the nation,” Richard Hall added.
“As to the longer term future, it’s clear that proper hydration is important for people’s health. The trend is for greater frequency, greater choice and greater extension of water drinks into other benefits such as flavour and function. Greater concerns over calories and obesity add to the positives for water.
“Covid has also made people even more conscious of the environment. We expect pressure to continue growing for recycling and recycled content as well as dispense and refill solutions,” he concluded.
The complete Zenith UK Water Drinks reports will be issued shortly, with full details available at zenithglobal.com/market-insights/reports.
Note for Editors
For further information, please contact:
Richard Hall or Christina Avison, Zenith Global Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 w zenithglobal.com